CLAYTON – The State Highway Patrol is searching for a hit and run driver that reportedly caused a fatal head on crash in Johnston County.
The collision was reported at 3:04am Sunday on the US 70 Bypass near Clayton. A white BMW was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the US 70 Bypass when it slammed head on into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. After the impact the BMW burst into flames.
A front seat passenger in the Jeep, Kortney Summer Atkins, age 24, of Goldsboro died from her injuries. The driver of the Jeep, Sydney Ann Skelding, age 26, of Goldsboro sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.
A back seat passenger, Michael Atkins, 25, sustained serious injuries. A 4 year-old juvenile, who was also in the back seat, sustained serious injuries.
The driver of the BMW jumped and ran from the wreckage into a wooded area before emergency crews arrived. An extensive search was conducted by troopers and Johnston County deputies but the wrong-way driver eluded apprehension.
The Highway Patrol Communications Center received calls about the wrong-way BMW just prior to the crash. Troopers were responding to the area in an attempt to locate the vehicle when the head on collision occurred.
On Monday, the Highway Patrol said they are still searching for the hit and run driver.
