It happened around 9 a.m. Thursday on U.S. 70, just east of Pine Level.
According to the N.C. Highway Parol, 18-year-old Christopher Massengill of Selma was traveling eastbound when he ran off the road and then over corrected. His car crossed the center line and while skidding backwards, collided with a tractor-trailer that was traveling westbound.
The back of Massengill's Chevy Malibu was ripped off and landed in a nearby field. He and his passenger, 18-year-old Ashley Everman of Princeton, were transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital.
The tractor-trailer, driven by 48-year-old Jackie Toler of Kenly, is owned by J.P. Edwards, Inc.
Massengill reportedly suffered a broken neck and was transferred to WakeMed and underwent surgery. Everman had a concussion, was treated and released.
The teens had just dropped off a baby at a Pine Level area daycare center moments before the crash.
According to Trooper A.K. Carlton, Massengill was traveling 65 mph in a 55 mph zone at the time of the crash, which may be the cause of the crash.
Charges are pending.
Despite the scare, the high school celebrated their prom Thursday night. And the early morning crash was yet another safety reminder for all students behind the wheel.
"Some of our classmates do ignore it, but most take it seriously," Student, Patrick Jacobs said.
"I choose not to ride with the classmates who ignore it," Student, Caleb Williams added.
This crash follows several fatal crashes involving Princeton High School students. On March 9, senior Katlyn Bell died in a crash on Brogden Road near her home. Two others from the school lost their lives in crashes within in the past 12 months.
