ARCHER LODGE – A mother and her four children were injured, two seriously, in a single vehicle accident Sunday morning near Archer Lodge. The accident happened just after 9:00am in the 14000 block of Buffalo Road. A Toyota SUV ran off the roadway and struck a driveway culvert, launching the vehicle into the air before it slammed into a large tree about 75 feet away.
The mother was on her way home from working third shift when the single vehicle accident occurred. Authorities are investigating whether she may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
A witness who was on his way to church stopped to help the victims. Richard Ward said he saw the SUV “in the air.” He called 911 then ran over to help. The mother and two older children were able to climb out through the smashed windshield with minor injuries. Two younger children remained in the overturned SUV and appeared to be seriously injured. They were reportedly unconscious after the crash.
Residents in a nearby home also helped. They said it was not the first accident in the location, saying the tree showed scars from previous crashes.
Five Johnston County EMS ambulances responded to the scene. All five victims were taken to WakeMed. Northside Fire and the State Highway Patrol also responded.
Praying for this family…🙏🏽