One killed, two injured in four-vehicle crash on U.S. 117 in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — One person was killed and two others were injured in a four-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 117 just north of the Cape Fear River Bridge, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash involved one southbound vehicle and three northbound vehicles.

According to investigators, the southbound vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped the first northbound vehicle. A second northbound vehicle swerved to avoid the collision and struck a guardrail.

The third northbound vehicle then collided head-on with the southbound vehicle, killing the driver of the southbound vehicle.

Pender EMS said a medical helicopter was initially called to the scene. The victim was transported by ambulance to a landing zone about a mile away but died before being airlifted.

The victim’s identity has not been released.

Two other people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Highway Patrol.

The crash caused major traffic backups and road closures for several hours near the Cape Fear River Bridge while emergency crews responded and investigators worked the scene.

Officials said the roadway has since reopened, and traffic has returned to normal.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash.