Clayton, North Carolina — Two women were killed and numerous children were injured after a car skidded off the road and collided with a tree in Johnston County on Saturday evening.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 7:05 p.m. on Government Road and Jack Road near Clayton.
State troopers informed CBS 17 that a lady driving a Jeep Cherokee on Jack Road failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the SUV to drive off the road, strike a ditch, and crash into a tree.
The driver, Emely Rosario Diaz, 24, of Clayton, died at the site, while the passenger, Sade Nadia Tominson, 23, of Knightdale, died later at the hospital, according to the highway patrol.
Six girls were also inside the SUV when it crashed. State troopers said all of kids were brought to WakeMed hospitals in Raleigh and Cary, with the oldest, age 8, in critical condition.
Troopers said that the other girls were stable on Sunday. According to troopers, one of the girls is seven years old, while the other four are two sets of twins, all under three years old.
According to NCSHP officials, neither of the mothers was using a seatbelt, and neither of the children was properly strapped in.
Speed was a factor in the incident, although it is unclear whether alcohol was involved, according to officials.
NCSHP state troopers stated the crash is still being investigated.