Early Saturday morning, around 7:30 a.m., a serious crash involving two pickup trucks halted traffic on U.S. Route 13 near Circle Drive in the town of Newton Grove, Sampson County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed the incident and announced that the roadway would remain closed while responders investigate and clear the scene.
What happened
According to aerial footage captured by Sky 5, both trucks sustained severe damage. One vehicle was positioned in the middle of the highway, while the second lay off to the side, appearing to be pulling a small trailer. The extent of the damage suggests a high‑speed impact, though the exact cause of the collision has not yet been determined.
Emergency response
First‑responders arrived quickly, and witnesses reported seeing a body bag placed inside an ambulance, indicating that at least one victim may have suffered life‑threatening injuries. However, authorities have not released any official statements regarding the number of people injured or their conditions.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is coordinating with local law‑enforcement and emergency‑medical services to secure the area, conduct a thorough investigation, and restore traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. Drivers are being directed to alternate routes, and signage has been posted to keep motorists informed of the closure.
Impact on the community
U.S. Route 13 is a major north‑south corridor that serves commuters, commercial traffic, and local residents throughout Sampson County. The closure is expected to cause delays for travelers heading to nearby towns such as Clinton, Greenville, and Goldsboro. Local businesses along the highway have been advised to prepare for reduced customer flow while the road remains shut.
Community members are encouraged to stay patient, follow detour signs, and avoid the area if possible. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the investigating agencies.
Next steps
Authorities will continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available dash‑cam or surveillance footage. Once the investigation is complete and the roadway is cleared, the North Carolina Department of Transportation will issue a formal statement regarding the cause of the crash and any recommended safety measures.
For the latest developments, residents can monitor the NCDOT website, local news outlets, and official social‑media channels of Sampson County emergency services.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
