Cops: Driver jumped from rig after brakes failed

COLUMBUS, N.C. (AP) — Charges are pending in a serious wreck on Interstate 26 in western North Carolina that sent three people to the hospital.

Investigators were still working Thursday to determine exactly what happened. But they believe it started when a tractor trailer lost its brakes and the driver jumped out of the moving vehicle.

The truck crashed through a guardrail and kept going for a mile after the driver bailed out.

Another rig approaching the scene overturned and hit three vehicles.

Three drivers were taken to hospitals in Columbus, Asheville and Spartanburg, S.C., for treatment. One of the people hurt was in serious condition Thursday, but the others had non-life-threatening injuries.

Trooper Darryl Bailey says charges are pending in both wrecks.