PINE LEVEL – Law enforcement officers are searching for a hit and run vehicle that reportedly collided with a group of motorcyclists traveling through Johnston County.
The accident happened at 10:14pm Saturday in the westbound lanes of US 70 near Pine Level.
According to the State Highway Patrol, a black Ford Explorer changed lanes striking the lead motorcyclist. This caused a chain reaction where three other motorcycles collided.
Seven people riding on the four motorcycles were injured. They were transported to WakeMed Raleigh and WakeMed Cary for treatment. Two of the 7 riders sustained serious injuries.
The driver of the Ford failed to stop at the scene and one of the motorcycle riders, who avoided the crash, began following the hit and run vehicle.
The eyewitness told troopers the Ford accelerated after the crash and exited from US 70 onto US 70 Business and traveled at a high rate of speed into the Smithfield city limits. The Ford began running red lights in the city limits and the eyewitness lost sight of the vehicle.
Authorities believe the black Ford Explorer will have damage to the rear of the vehicle.
Anyone with any information about the hit and run vehicle is asked to contact the State Highway Patrol.
I hope they get that driver. They should with them driving into Smithfield and all those cameras. It takes some crazy driving to out run a motorcycle.