Dare County, NC (December 13, 2024) – A devastating crash occurred Thursday morning on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, resulting in the death of a 2-year-old child and leaving a man in critical condition. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 1991 Mustang was stopped in the far right-hand lane of the U.S. Route 64 Bypass when a 2023 GMC Acadia, traveling eastbound, failed to slow down and struck the rear of the Mustang. The impact caused the Mustang to catch fire.
The driver of the Acadia, a man from Columbia, North Carolina, bravely pulled the Mustang’s driver from the burning vehicle. However, the driver, who is from Manns Harbor, North Carolina, informed the Good Samaritan that his 2-year-old child was still inside the car. Despite the efforts to rescue the child, the young victim tragically did not survive the fire. The driver of the Mustang, who suffered serious burns, was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the Acadia, although he helped remove the Mustang’s driver from the car, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Neither alcohol nor speeding was found to be a factor in the incident, according to the highway patrol. In a separate incident, a Dare County Sheriff’s deputy responding to the crash was rear-ended by another vehicle. Fortunately, the deputy was not injured, but the incident further complicated the already tragic situation.
Our hearts go out to the family affected by this heartbreaking crash, and we extend our deepest sympathies to those grieving the loss of the child.
Fatal Accidents on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, which spans the Albemarle Sound, has been the site of numerous traffic incidents over the years due to its layout and the high traffic volume it accommodates. Thursday’s crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist when vehicles are stopped or slow-moving on the bridge, which can be difficult for other drivers to anticipate. In this case, the driver of the GMC Acadia did not slow down in time, causing a tragic rear-end collision that ultimately led to the fire.
Fatal accidents on bridges, particularly in areas where vehicles are forced to slow down or stop unexpectedly, have been a concern across North Carolina. The crash highlights the importance of remaining alert and adjusting speed accordingly, especially in high-risk areas like bridges where road conditions can change suddenly.
While the driver of the Acadia acted heroically by pulling the Mustang’s driver from the car, the tragic loss of life and severe injuries in this incident underline the importance of safe driving practices. With the holidays approaching, traffic is likely to increase, making it essential for all drivers to remain cautious and vigilant, especially in high-traffic areas like the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious accident, it is important to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and ensure that you receive the medical care and compensation you need. Serious injuries and wrongful deaths can have lasting consequences, and proper legal support can help navigate the complexities that follow such incidents.
Local Accident Reports urges all drivers to approach bridges and other high-risk areas with caution. Slowing down, staying alert, and avoiding distractions can help prevent accidents and protect everyone on the road.