Selma store site of second wreck in a year

SELMA, N.C. — Five people were injured Monday afternoon when a pickup truck hit several cars and then slammed into a Selma convenience store, authorities said.

The crash occurred shortly after noon at the Lighthouse Food Mart, at U.S. Highway 301 and Noble Street. The truck hit several vehicles U.S. Highway 301 before crashing into the building, witnesses said.

"It happened so fast," said Stephanie Rue, who was walking near the store when she witnessed the crash. "I could hear some noise coming across the railroad track. It was a loud motor running."

"When (the driver) hit the curb, it airborned off the ground and went straight into the store," Rue added.

No customers were in the store at the time, Haithen Kassem, son of the owner, said. Kassem, who was working behind the counter, said he felt lucky that he was not injured.

"I just heard the glass, then (the driver) started screaming and stuff," Kassem said. "I tried to help him out. I called the police. They came in here as fast as they could. They took him out. They got him to the hospital."

Witnesses said several people on the road were hurt as the truck roared through, but the exact number and identity of those people was not immediately available. There was no word Monday on their conditions.

Authorities said the driver might have had a medical condition that led to the wreck.

A sign on the store declared it condemned by the town of Selma. Kassem said the interior was a total loss.