PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. — One person was killed and four others injured when their car crashed and landed in a river near U.S. 52 North on Monday night.
Authorities said the wreck happened between the Pilot Mountain and Cook School Road exits around 6 p.m. Monday.
The car struck the guardrail and crashed over an embankment before landing in the river, according to John Shelton, Emergency Services Director.
Kandaben Prajapti, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told the Highway Patrol another vehicle may have forced the family’s vehicle off the road.
The injured victims have been identified as 57-year-old Prakash Prajapti, 47-year-old Minibew Prajapti, 59-year-old Sushila Oza and 70-year-old Manhendra Oza.
Authorities said Minibew Prajapti and Sushila Oza are listed in stable condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, while the other two injured victims have been treated and released.
Officials said the family is from Ontario Canada and of Indian descent. They were apparently on their way back home from visiting family members in Raleigh when they crashed.
Sgt. Smith of the Highway Patrol said they believe the car was traveling 80 mph when it crashed.Officials said Kandaben Prajapti was sitting in the backseat and may not have been wearing her seatbelt.
The accident is being investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
