2 dead, including child, in unrelated multi-vehicle crash in Harnett County

LILLINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two unrelated crashes both proved deadly Sunday in Harnett County.

The first happened Sunday morning and left a child dead after a multi-vehicle crash around 10 a.m. on the 1100 block of NC Highway 210, south of Lillington. Responding units found the crash involved four vehicles.

A child was found in critical condition and died from their injuries at the scene, North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

According to investigators, a white Ford Expedition traveled left of center and sideswiped two pickups before hitting a Toyota passenger car head-on. The driver of the Ford was the only one in the vehicle. The Toyota had three people inside, including the child.

At least two people were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Both pickup drivers were evaluated and released by EMS at the scene.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated, NCSHP said. No identities have been released yet.

Second Deadly Crash

In a later incident, a head-on crash left a driver dead on US Highway 421 in northern Harnett County.

Just after 6 p.m., emergency workers were dispatched to US Highway 421 and Sloan Road. They found a Ford Explorer Sport and a Chevrolet Tahoe that had collided.

The driver of the Ford Explorer was pronounced dead at the scene, the Highway Patrol told an ABC11 breaking news crew.

The Tahoe, which was off the roadway had a driver pinned inside the seat. Another adult and three children were also inside

Rescuers extricated the driver, who was then taken to a hospital via helicopter. The others in the Tahoe were taken by ground to area hospitals for treatment.

The extent of injuries or their conditions were not immediately known.

A state trooper at the scene said it appeared the Ford crossed the center line and struck the Tahoe.

US Highway 421 was closed for more than three hours while investigators worked to gather evidence and clear the scene.