Seven people were killed in a fiery crash in southeastern North Carolina after a vehicle collided with two others while attempting to pass on a two-lane road. The tragic incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, on N.C. Highway 711, near Pembroke, North Carolina, about 90 miles northwest of Wilmington.
The vehicle carrying the seven victims was traveling westbound when it attempted to pass another car, crossing the center line. During this maneuver, it sideswiped a westbound vehicle before colliding head-on with an eastbound vehicle. After the collision, the passing vehicle left the roadway and came to rest at the edge of a swamp, where it caught fire.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) crash summary, several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Tragically, all seven individuals in the passing vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have indicated that speed was a contributing factor, though weather conditions did not appear to play a role in the accident.
John Hinston Dial, a 25-year-old from Pembroke, was driving the eastbound vehicle involved in the crash. Although his vehicle was struck by the passing car, he survived the incident with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UNC Health Southeastern for treatment. Authorities confirmed that Dial did not contribute to the cause of the accident.
NCSHP’s initial investigation did not reveal whether the vehicle carrying seven passengers was overloaded. No official statement has been made regarding the vehicle’s capacity. Troopers have not clarified the type of vehicle involved or identified the seven victims.
After the collision, the second westbound vehicle, which had been sideswiped, did not remain at the scene. However, investigators stated it likely did not contribute to the cause of the accident.
This incident is one of many tragic crashes in North Carolina this year. Since 2021, North Carolina has continued to experience high rates of traffic fatalities, particularly on rural roads. In 2022, there were 578 deaths on rural roads, making up over half of the state’s total road fatalities. North Carolina ranked third in the nation for rural road fatalities, following only California and Texas. The dangers on these roads are largely due to sharp turns, narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and poor visibility. Speeding is also a significant contributor to many of these fatal crashes. The fatality rate on rural roads in 2022 was nearly three times that of other roads in the state. These roads remain especially dangerous during holiday periods when traffic volumes increase.
Additionally, the rural road infrastructure in North Carolina continues to face challenges. Many rural roads and bridges are in poor condition, further elevating the risks for drivers. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in 2021, has provided substantial federal funding to improve rural road safety. Despite this financial support, there remains a significant backlog of needed repairs and enhancements, highlighting the ongoing need for focused efforts to reduce rural traffic fatalities in the state.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the NCSHP asks for patience as it gathers all the details related to the crash. Further updates will be released as they become available.
