Wilmington man charged after Friday crash leaves three dead, three injured

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –  A Wilmington man has been charged in connection with a crash Friday near Ocean Isle Beach that left three people dead.

The N.C. Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 8:00 P.M. Friday on U.S. 17 near the turn to Ocean Isle Beach.

Trooper Corey Blackwell tells us Michael Anthony Johnson of Wilmington was travelling south on U.S. 17 in a pickup when it swerved into the left-hand turning lane rear-ending a van.

The truck reportedly pushed the van into northbound traffic where it collided with two more cars. 82 year olds Frances and Leroy Carlisle of Brunswick County, were killed in that van as it collided with two northbound vehicles.

A Wilmington woman also died of her injuries after being transported to the hospital. Blackwell said three other people were also injured in the wreck.

Johnson has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle.

The cause of the wreck remains under investigation.