Local News
Sydney Strickland killed in Scotland County crash
SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic crash early Saturday morning claimed the life of one teenager and left three others in critical condition, according to officials.
The collision occurred shortly after 3 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 74 and Highway 79 near Laurinburg.
Authorities confirmed that the victim who died has been identified as Sydney Strickland, a young woman who had recently begun her college journey.
Loved ones described her as someone with both intelligence and beauty, who was actively pursuing her dreams.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene.
Two of the surviving victims were airlifted to nearby trauma centers due to the severity of their injuries, while a third was transported by EMS to a local hospital.
Officials have not released further details on their current medical conditions.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has been contacted for additional information as the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.