CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Three people were killed and four others were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on North Carolina 24/27 in Midland Wednesday morning, Cabarrus County deputies confirmed.
A little after 8 a.m., Midland Fire and Rescue reported a crash at the intersection of Bethel School Road and North Carolina 24/27, a state route where the two roads run concurrently.
Just before 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, multiple 911 calls came in describing the serious accident, Captain Kevin Klinglesmith with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office said.
The fire department said at least one person was pinned inside a vehicle and multiple heavy rescue crews were dispatched. At least one person was airlifted to the hospital.
A van with five people inside was traveling away from Mecklenburg County when the driver of the van swerved into oncoming traffic, the sheriff's office said. The van then collided with two other cars.
Nicolae Ghorghe, 49, and a woman, believed to be his wife, died in the crash along with their 12-year-old son. The driver was flown by helicopter to the hospital. Another passenger from the van was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Officials have not yet released the names of everyone involved in the crash.
All lanes of North Carolina 24/27 reopened shortly after 3 p.m.
Kenny Gillenwater has lived on Bethel School Road for over 40 years. His front porch looks right at Highway 24/27. It's a sight he's grown to hate.
“It’s getting ridiculous and it’s getting worse every day," Gillenwater said. “Anytime there is an accident up here, I’m not surprised it happened. The speeding is mad in the area."
Fearful of what could happen to him, Gillenwater has been determined to find a solution.
“I called the town manager of Midland ... and they said there’s nothing we can do," Gillenwater said.
Gillenwater said he also called Cabarrus County and he said he was told they are trying to keep traffic flowing
WCNC Charlotte reached out to the county to see if a stoplight, reduction of speed or other measures have been explored but the county didn't get back to us.
Klinglesmith said he recognizes the issue.
“There’s always traffic crashes on highway 24/27, a heavily traveled road," Klinglesmith said.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.