NEWTON GROVE – Two people were killed and two others injured following a head-on collision this morning (Tuesday) in northern Sampson County. The accident was reported at 7:04am on NC 55, west of Newton Grove, near Oak Grove Church Road.
The Highway Patrol said a black 2017 Honda Accord traveling eastbound on NC 55 crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into a white 2013 Kia Sorento traveling westbound.
Both drivers died at the scene. The driver of the Honda was identified as Eric Scott Little, age 30, of Brick Mill Road, Coats, NC. The driver of the Kia was identified as Lauren Brittany Knuckles, age 31, of Pecan Road, Dudley.
A passenger in the Honda, Ashley Morgan Walker, age 30, of Deanne Lane, Coats was transported to WakeMed with serious injuries.
A 3 year-old child in the Kia was airlifted to WakeMed. Her condition was not immediately released.
Both occupants in the Honda were not wearing seat belts.
Walker and the 3 year-old child in the Kia were properly restrained. Troopers said the young girl was in the appropriate car seat.
The Highway Patrol is working to determine what caused Little to cross the centerline.
Highway 55 was closed in both directions for several hours before reopening to traffic.
All these people dying due to distracted driving whether innocent or guilty. It’s very sad. Some cases they’re not but most Unfortunately they are. Stay off your phone be alert don’t speed pay attention if you want to live you follow those rules and don’t drink and drive. Too many innocent people are dying in car accidents , it’s very sad it’s so very sad.