7 killed in multi-car crash in Robeson County, troopers say

PEMBROKE, N.C. (WNCN) — Troopers are still investigating a deadly crash that occurred Thursday evening when a passing vehicle hit oncoming traffic in Robeson County.

According to State Highway Patrol, troopers responded to a call of a crash around 6 p.m. Thursday on NC 711 near Pembroke.

It was on the scene that troopers said that a total of seven occupants in one vehicle died. They also said the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash was transported by Robeson County EMS to UNC Health Southeastern.

The initial investigation from troopers showed that two vehicles were traveling west on NC 711, while a third vehicle was traveling east. According to the report, Vehicle 1 going west tried to pass Vehicle 2 when Vehicle 2 got sideswiped. Vehicle 1 then struck the eastbound vehicle, Vehicle 3.

After impact, according to the report, Vehicle 1 traveled off the roadway, catching fire as it came to a stop in a ditch on the edge of a swamp. Vehicle 3 also ended up off the roadway at the edge of a swamp. Troopers said Vehicle 2 left the scene.

Three of the seven occupants of Vehicle 1 were ejected and found outside of the vehicle. Only one passenger of Vehicle 1 was able to be identified, but that identity has yet to be released by troopers. The driver injured in Vehicle 3, identified by troopers as John Hinston Dial, 25 of Pembroke, was transported to UNC Health Southeastern with serious injuries.

Troopers said in their report that speed was a factor in the fatal crash for Vehicle 1. They also said weather was not a contributing factor to the crash.

The story is still developing.

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