A devastating head-on collision on N.C. Highway 55 near Oak Grove Church Road in Sampson County claimed two lives and left a 3-year-old girl and a woman hospitalized early Tuesday morning.
The crash, which occurred at 7:04 a.m., involved a black 2017 Honda Accord traveling east and a white 2013 Kia Sorento heading west.
According to the State Highway Patrol, the Honda crossed the centerline, leading to a catastrophic collision that caused severe damage to both vehicles.
The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. Eric Little, 30, of Coats, was driving the Honda Accord and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Lauren Knuckles, 31, of Dudley, was driving the Kia Sorento. Despite wearing her seat belt, she succumbed to her injuries.
A 3-year-old girl who was properly secured in a car seat in the Kia survived but sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted to WakeMed for treatment. Ashley Morgan Walker, 30, also of Coats, was a passenger in the Honda. She was not wearing a seat belt and sustained severe injuries. Emergency responders transported her to WakeMed by ambulance.
Emergency crews worked quickly to assist those involved, with two medical helicopters arriving at the scene to transport the critically injured. The medical examiner confirmed the deaths of both drivers around 8:30 a.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, particularly why the Honda Accord crossed the centerline. The tragic incident has prompted officials to emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts and practicing caution on the road to prevent similar accidents in the future.
