CLOSE CALL — Though the wreckage was a startling site, no one was injured in an accident on W.Va. 18 near Pursley on July 14.

A New Martinsville man was cited for failure to maintain control after an automobile accident on W.Va. 18 near Pursley on July 14.

At approximately 3 p.m., Maynard P. Braniff of Route 2, New Martinsville, was traveling north on 18 in a 1991 International Truck hauling a load of logs.

As he attempted to navigate a right hand turn, the brakes on the truck locked up, causing Braniff to lose control of the vehicle as he crossed the center line. The truck then overturned and smashed into the guardrail, causing the load to come lose and slide over the hill. The trailer came to rest on the berm of the road.

Braniff was not injured in the accident, though Sistersville EMS did respond to the call.

The vehicle which was owned by Gary Midcap of Sistersville, appeared to be a total loss.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Scott Dalrymple of the Tyler County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of Sheriff Bob Kendle and Officer Paul Taylor of the WV DOT.

The Sistersville Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control.

The vehicle was removed from the scene by Pifer’s Towing Service of Mineral Wells.

Braniff was cited.