Woman dies in multi-vehicle crash in Pender County

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — A woman died in a five-vehicle crash that shutdown a highway in Pender County for several hours Thursday afternoon.

The accident happened at 1:59 p.m. on Highway 117 between East Main Street and Newroad Avenue in St. Helena located south of Burgaw.

Five vehicles were involved including a Pender EMS ambulance.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a vehicle went left of the center line striking the ambulance.

A third vehicle was struck by debris from the initial crash. A fourth and fifth vehicle behind the ambulance swerved to avoid the collision. Those vehicles ran off the road into a ditch, the trooper said.

A total of 12 drivers and passengers were involved.

The highway patrol said a 54-year-old woman died but they are not releasing her name until her next of kin are notified.

As of late Thursday night, two people were in critical condition and one was seriously injured. Eight people were treated at the scene.

No charges have been filed but are forthcoming according to the highway patrol.

“Based on early reports from the scene, we mobilized additional team members this afternoon under our mass casualty protocol,” said Novant Health/NHRMC Spokesman Julian March. “This proactive response is designed to ensure the needed personnel and resources are available to respond to the incident.”

A spokesperson with Pender EMS & Fire says both crew members involved in the crash were transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and were being treated for serious injuries.