News Summary
A devastating accident on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge in Dare County, NC, resulted in the tragic loss of a 2-year-old child. The incident involved a fiery collision between a stopped Mustang and a speeding GMC Acadia, leading to the child’s untimely death despite rescue attempts. The driver of the Acadia faces legal charges as investigations continue. The local community mourns the loss and reflects on the importance of road safety.
Tragic Accident on Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge Claims Life of Young Child
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a fiery crash on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge in Dare County, North Carolina, has left a family devastated. A precious 2-year-old child lost their life following the tragic accident that unfolded on a Thursday morning.
The drama began when a 1991 Mustang was stopped in the right-hand lane of the U.S. Route 64 Bypass. Out of nowhere, a 2023 GMC Acadia came barreling down, slamming into the back of the Mustang. The impact was so intense that it ignited a blaze, turning the scene into a chaotic inferno.
A Quick Rescue, But Too Late
In an act of bravery, the driver of the Acadia, who hails from Columbia, North Carolina, rushed to pull the driver of the Mustang to safety amid the roaring flames. However, the situation took a dire turn when the driver of the Mustang, who is from Manns Harbor, realized that his 2-year-old child was still trapped inside the burning vehicle.
Unfortunately, despite the fast actions of the bystanders and emergency responders, the child could not be saved. The devastation of this loss is unimaginable, leaving family and friends grappling with grief. The Mustang’s driver was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition with serious burn injuries. Meanwhile, the driver of the Acadia suffered only minor injuries.
Investigations Underway
Alcohol and speeding have been ruled out as factors contributing to this terrible crash, but the driver of the Acadia now faces legal repercussions, including charges of failure to reduce speed and misdemeanor death. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is working diligently to investigate the incident. They have called for additional resources, including possible dash cam footage from other vehicles that were in the area during the accident.
It’s worth noting that a nearby driver captured the shocking moment of impact on their dashcam, which has been shared with authorities. The video showcases the tumultuous scene filled with smoke and flames, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
What Happened Next
The response from local authorities was swift, with a Dare County Sheriff’s deputy arriving quickly at the scene. In a bizarre twist, the deputy was subsequently rear-ended by another driver but miraculously walked away unscathed from the encounter.
A Community in Mourning
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, a vital connection spanning the Croatan Sound between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island, now carries an air of tragedy following this incident. Residents and visitors alike are paying their respects while grappling with the shock of such a heart-wrenching occurrence. This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of sudden tragedy on families and communities.
As investigations continue, our hearts go out to the family affected by this devastating crash. The local community stands together during this difficult time, rallying to support those grappling with this terrible loss. Perhaps this tragedy will encourage more awareness of road safety and the importance of remaining vigilant while driving, especially on busy bridges and highways.
Stay safe out there, everyone. You never know what might happen on the road.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WCTI12: Old Manns Harbor Bridge Closure Extended
- WITN: Old Manns Harbor Bridge Remains Closed
- MSN: Old Manns Harbor Bridge Closure Extended
- Wikipedia: Manns Harbor (North Carolina)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
