Four killed, two injured in crash near Sampson-Bladen County line
Four people were killed and two people were injured early Sunday in a wreck on U.S. Highway 701, near the Sampson-Bladen County line, authorities said.
Posted — UpdatedAccording to investigators, a white 2006 Ford pickup truck was traveling south on U.S. Highway-701 at about 3:15 a.m. when it traveled off the road and onto the shoulder, where it overturned and hit a tree.
The driver was identified as Karl Lamont Jones, 54, of Lakeland, Florida. Melquiades Ramirez, 24, Ricardo Ramirez, 21, and Luis Felipe Rocha Madrigal, 24, all of Harrells, were also killed.
Rachel Gauck, 29, and Victor Manuel Lobaton Mendoza, 24, both of Harrells, were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville with serious injuries, authorities said.
Investigators say the road was wet, so weather and speed may have been factors in the crash. The group was headed home from a club, so alcohol could have also played a role in the crash, according to investigators.
"We won't know for sure until the medical examiner's report comes out about the alcohol, but it is believed that it is a factor in this collision," said Sgt. Michael Davis of the State Highway Patrol.
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