Harnett County, North Carolina — October 18, 2026 — According to ABC 11, a collision between a church van and a passenger car left a 67-year-old man dead and eight other people injured. Authorities believe the crash occurred when a motorist failed to stop at a red light.

Emergency crews responded to the intersection of NC Highway 210 and Old Stage Road after reports of a serious two-vehicle accident.

Van Crash Kills Passenger

When deputies from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they discovered an overturned church van off the roadway. Several occupants were trapped inside. A Honda passenger vehicle involved in the collision had also come to rest off the highway.

Because so many people needed help, emergency officials classified the scene as a mass casualty incident and requested additional medical personnel and ambulances.

Justin Heath, 67, was pronounced dead following the crash. He had been traveling in the church van.

Eight other individuals were transported to WakeMed for treatment of injuries ranging in severity. Emergency communications indicated that the injured patients were between 8 and 66 years old.

Investigators identified the Honda’s driver as 52-year-old Joseph King. Authorities said King allegedly entered the intersection against a red traffic signal and collided with the van.

Authorities had not announced any criminal charges at the time of the report.

A person at the scene indicated that the van’s occupants were returning from a church-related gathering when the accident happened. The church’s identity was not provided.

Authorities kept the intersection closed for several hours while emergency personnel assisted victims and investigators examined the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident.

If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.