Traffic crash causing delays on Highway 17 near Wilmington

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Drivers heading into Wilmington are being urged to seek alternate routes following a traffic crash on U.S. Highway 17 near the U.S. Highway 421 ramp.

According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the crash is causing significant delays in the area. Motorists traveling toward Wilmington are encouraged to use Interstate 140 as an alternate route while emergency responders work the scene.

Officials have not released details about the number of vehicles involved or whether any injuries were reported.

Drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time if traveling through the area.

UPDATE: The North Carolina Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 10 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Highway 74/76 and involved a van and a pickup truck traveling in the same direction.

Investigators say the van made an improper lane change and collided with the pickup.

Both the driver and passenger in the van were killed. The driver has been identified as 65-year-old Wanda Zanders of Leland. The passenger was 71-year-old Keith Harrison of Richlands.

Two people in the pickup were injured and taken to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment. No charges were filed.