A devastating accident at the intersection of NC 20 and Purdie-Hall Road on Sunday afternoon left five people dead, including four children, shaking the local community. The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred around 3:45 p.m., involving a commercial truck and an SUV.
The tragedy unfolded when the driver of the SUV, 36-year-old Maribel Hernandez of Red Springs, failed to yield at the intersection, moving directly into the path of the eastbound truck on NC 20. The impact of the crash claimed the lives of Hernandez and four minors in the SUV, whose ages and identities have not yet been disclosed.
The driver of the truck, who has not been named, escaped uninjured. Authorities determined that Hernandez’s failure to yield was the primary cause of the accident, and no charges will be filed against the truck driver.
Located between Tar Heel and Saint Pauls, the intersection where the crash occurred is a significant crossing point in the area. This tragedy highlights the dangers of such intersections and the critical need for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
The community is grappling with the profound loss, mourning the deaths of four young lives alongside Hernandez. The incident has sparked discussions about potential safety improvements at the intersection, such as enhanced signage or visibility measures, to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, attention is turning to supporting the grieving families. The loss serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and the life-altering consequences that can result from a moment of inattention.
Residents hope this heartbreaking event will prompt renewed awareness of safe driving practices, particularly at high-risk intersections. By doing so, the community seeks to honor the memory of those lost while working to prevent similar tragedies in the future.