An innocent motorist was killed, 13 people were injured, and two drivers were arrested for impaired driving following a multiple vehicle crash in Johnston County Friday night.
Two wrecks were reported at the same locate at 9:45pm on Highway 42 East near Thanksgiving Baptist Church.
Troopers were notified by a concerned citizen about a black pickup truck driving erratically on Highway 42 East.
Three state troopers were in route to intercept the truck but before they could locate the vehicle the driver suddenly veered across the center line and struck an oncoming blue Honda instantly killing the driver, 34 year old Katherine Parker of Kenly.
The concerned citizen who was on the phone with the Highway Patrol dispatcher at the time of the crash also became a victim when involved in the crash.
Moments after the first collision, a second accident occurred when another suspected impaired driver failed to slow for traffic stopping at the first wreck and rear-ended a westbound vehicle. That at-fault driver fled the scene but a short time later was captured by Johnston County deputies and troopers several miles away.
Multiple ambulances from across Johnston County responded to the scene to treat the injured. Some were treated and released at the scene while others were transported by paramedics to the hospital.
Both suspected DWI drivers are facing numerous charges. Their names were not immediately released.
Highway 42 was shut down for more than two hours Friday night until the scene could be cleared.
The Thanksgiving and Antioch Fire Departments responded to the scene along with Johnston County EMS and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Photos by John Payne
