CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. -- A runaway truck ramp designed to help bring trucks safely to a stop wasn't enough to prevent a deadly accident in Caldwell County.

  • It happened just after 4 a.m. on U.S. Highway 321, just north of Lenior.
  • Both the driver and passenger of the runaway truck were killed.
  • Highway Patrol believes driver may have lost his brakes.

Highway Patrol said the accident happened just after 4 a.m. on U.S. Highway 321, just north of Lenior.

Both the driver and passenger of the runaway truck were killed in the accident.

Highway Patrol is not sure exactly what happened but they reportedly did not see any brake marks leading up to the ramp, which could mean the driver may have lost his brakes.

The emergency ramps are made of deep sand, gravel and dirt. However, in this case, they didn't seem to work.

The truck was carrying about 10 spools of very heavy metal tubing.

Highway Patrol says this is why the area has a 35 mile per hour speed limit for truckers.