Ramseur, NC – A devastating accident involving four students from Eastern Randolph High School has left the community reeling. A 15-year-old male student tragically lost his life, while a 17-year-old male student is fighting for his life after a single-vehicle crash on Thursday evening. The accident, which occurred at the intersection of Parks Crossroads Church Road and Kildee Church Road in Ramseur, has cast a somber pall over the small North Carolina town.
The crash took place at approximately 6:25 p.m. when the 17-year-old driver, heading west on Kildee Church Road, lost control of the Infiniti passenger car he was driving. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the vehicle veered off the road to the right, and in an attempt to correct the mistake, the driver overcorrected, causing the car to swerve violently before it struck a tree. The impact was severe, and the vehicle caught fire almost immediately after the collision.
Emergency services were alerted to the scene through two 911 calls generated by crash notifications from iPhones within the vehicle. The crash detection technology, which is designed to sense severe impacts and automatically contact emergency services, played a crucial role in enabling first responders to locate the crash site quickly. A third 911 call was made by a concerned citizen who witnessed the aftermath of the crash.
The witness described the scene to the dispatcher, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “Single vehicle, on fire, at least three patients,” the caller reported. When asked if anyone was still inside the burning vehicle, the caller responded, “I think so. I think there is one still in the vehicle, and it is on fire. One’s laying in the ditch. One’s in the road.”
The accident claimed the life of a 15-year-old male passenger, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The 17-year-old driver, whose condition is described as life-threatening, was airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for emergency treatment. Two other passengers, both teenage girls, sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance to local hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed, but they are receiving treatment for their injuries.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting an in-depth investigation into the crash. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, troopers have indicated that speed may have been a contributing factor. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities piece together the events leading up to the tragic accident.
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In the wake of the tragedy, the Randolph County School System has expressed its deep sorrow and extended support to the students and families affected by the accident. In a statement released by the school system, officials acknowledged the profound impact the incident has had on the school community. “Four students from Eastern Randolph High School were involved in a very serious car accident last night. These students are very special members of the student body at Eastern Randolph High School as well as the Randolph County School System. The leadership of the school system will keep these students and their families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
To help students and staff cope with the emotional toll of the accident, additional counselors have been made available at Eastern Randolph High School. The school system has committed to providing ongoing support, with counselors remaining on campus into the following week to assist anyone in need.
The tragic loss of one student and the critical injuries sustained by another have left the Eastern Randolph High School community in shock and mourning. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to those affected by the crash and on preventing such tragedies in the future. The community has rallied together, offering prayers and support to the families involved during this heartbreaking time.