A tragic turn of events unfolded in Johnston County earlier yesterday when a wrong-way crash claimed the life of a 24-year-old woman and left three others, including a child under five, with serious injuries. WRAL reports the collision occurred around 3:04 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70 near the Cornwallis Road underpass. A white BMW traveling west in the eastbound lanes collided head-on with a white Jeep Cherokee.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the deceased victim as 24-year-old Kortney Atkins of Goldsboro, according to myfox8.com. Sydney Skelding, the driver of the Jeep, along with two backseat passengers, Michael Atkins, 25, and a young boy under five were transported to WakeMed with serious injuries. Post-collision, one of the vehicles caught fire, complicating the rescue and investigation efforts.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the BMW driver, who fled the scene on foot. Despite a comprehensive search by Johnston County deputies and a K-9 unit, the suspect remains at large. Drivers on the highway at the time of the crash expressed their shock, with one stating, "I’m praying for the family, man, everybody who was in the car, everyone who was involved," as recounted by WRAL. He added, "I’m just blessed that we didn’t wreck our car into that."
The NCSHP insists on the gravity of the situation and adamantly pursues the fleeing driver, with expected charges pending upon apprehension. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to come forward and contact the NCSHP Johnston County division as confirmed by WITN. Following the incident, U.S. Highway 70 was temporarily closed but reopened around 5:30 a.m. as the investigation proceeded.
