Midland, North Carolina – Tragedy struck on North Carolina 24/27 in Midland, as three individuals lost their lives and four others sustained injuries in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday morning as confirmed by Cabarrus County deputies.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8 a.m., when Midland Fire and Rescue responded to a collision at the junction of Bethel School Road and North Carolina 24/27, where the two roads intersect in tandem.
Reports flooded in just before 8 a.m., detailing the severity of the accident, leading Captain Kevin Klinglesmith of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
Responders discovered at least one individual trapped inside a vehicle, prompting the dispatch of multiple heavy rescue crews to aid in the emergency response effort. Subsequently, one person was airlifted to a medical facility for urgent care.
The catastrophic crash involved a van with five passengers on board, traveling from Mecklenburg County. Tragically, Nicolae Ghorghe, 49, and an unidentified female, believed to be his spouse, as well as their 12-year-old son, succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the van was swiftly transported by helicopter to receive medical attention, while another passenger was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
As authorities work to establish the sequence of events and identify all individuals impacted by the collision, the community mourns the loss of life and prays for the swift recovery of those injured in this harrowing event. The reopening of all lanes of North Carolina 24/27 offers a semblance of relief amidst the sorrow that now envelops the region.
The tragic incident has left residents like Kenny Gillenwater, a long-time resident of Bethel School Road, perturbed by the persistent dangers of Highway 24/27. Despite efforts to raise concerns with local officials, including the town manager of Midland and Cabarrus County, Gillenwater, like many in the community, remains apprehensive about the safety of the roadway. Frustrations mount as residents call for enhanced safety measures to prevent future tragedies from unfolding on this well-traveled route.
While investigations continue and families grieve the untimely loss of their loved ones, the need for proactive measures to improve road safety remains a pressing concern in Cabarrus County and beyond.