One twin survives
A tragic wreck west of Lillington early Tuesday took the life of a woman and one of her 11-year-old twins who was with her in the car.
The wreck occurred on U.S. Highway 421 just after midnight in the Mamers community which is north of Lillington.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Venita Vandergriss, 46, was driving a Dodge Durango north on U.S. 421 when her vehicle crossed the center line and crashed head-on with a southbound tractor trailer driven by Paul Lanex, 24, of Hickory.
Vandergriss’ twin daughters were with her in the car.
One twin, Zariyah, died at the scene. Her sister, Amiyah, was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and is listed in serious condition.
The victims were extricated from the vehicle.
Lanex suffered minor injuries.
Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be contributing factors in the wreck, according to the Highway Patrol.
A resident, Wanda Norris, described the scene as a “loud boom that sounded like thunder.”
“When it gets this close, it’s kind of scary,” she said.
U.S. 421 was closed from Raven Rock Road to Mamers Road from 12:30 until approximately 4 a.m.
Crews work to clear the scene of a fatal head-on collision in the Mamers community early Tuesday morning.
-Dunn Daily Record / Photo By Thomas Honeycutt
