One Dead, At Least Five Injured When Minivan Hit By Tractor-Trailer In Duplin County

One person died and at least five of his family members suffered personal injuries on July 21 when their minivan was struck by a tractor-trailer in Duplin County, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The family, residents of Virginia, was on their way back from a trip to Carolina Beach at the time of the accident.

Highway Patrol Sgt. Will Thurston said that the van was traveling along West Trade Road in Calypso and was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 117 when an 18-wheeler transporting hogs collided with the vehicle.

Four adults and three children were aboard the minivan. One male adult was pronounced dead and a female received air transport to WakeMed in critical condition. Four others received transport to area hospitals via ambulance. According to a volunteer firefighter who responded to the scene, three generations of family members were aboard the van.

Thurston said that the intersection the wreck occurred at has a flashing light and has seen numerous accidents. He said that rumble strips and a stop sign have been added by the N.C. Department of Transportation in an attempt to improve safety.