2 Year-Old Killed In Back Yard

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 2 year-old girl Monday afternoon in Johnston County.

It happened behind a home on Highway 70 Business just east of I-95 near Smithfield.

Initial reports indicate two young children were being watched by their grandparents at their home. The grandmother left to run an errand.

When she returned home and began to drive behind the residence she did not see the two grandchildren playing in the back yard. A 2 year-old girl was struck by the vehicle and died from her injuries.

The incident is under investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

The names of those involved have not been released.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the age of the child to 2. We previously reported the child was 3.