Two Year-Old Ejected From Car During Crash

Four people were injured, one seriously, following a single vehicle accident on Interstate 40 in Johnston County early Tuesday.

Emergency crews responded to the 7:14am accident on I-40 near the Johnston-Sampson County line in the Meadow community.

The Highway Patrol said Chezella Hankins, 31, of Wilmington, NC was traveling on I-40 when she ran off the roadway and into the median. She overcorrected and lost control of her Mercury passenger car, causing the vehicle to skid sideways across I-40 and strike an earthen berm next to a bridge.

Hankins 2 year-old daughter was not properly restrained in the car and was ejected out of the rear left seat.  The child was seriously injured and rushed to Wake Medical Center for treatment. Authorities later said the injuries were not life threatening.

Hankins was also transported to the hospital along with her 5 year-old daughter and a 52 year-old passenger.  Their injuries were all considered to be minor.

Troopers believe Chezella Hankins fell asleep causing her to run off the road.

She was cited by the NC Highway Patrol with reckless driving, child restraint violation, having unsafe tires and driving on a revoked license.  Photos courtesy John Payne