Two mothers dead and four children hospitalized

On Friday, a heartbreaking accident occurred on U.S. 64 in the Caldwell County area of North Carolina. Master Trooper Christoper Casey reports the accident involved two vehicles, a van and a minivan, causing the tragic demise of two women and hospitalization of four children.

At 4 pm, the van, driven by 41-year-old Deanna Lynn Ross of Lenoir, crossed the center line of the four-lane highway, crashing head-on into the minivan driven by 29-year-old Reyna Mendoza of Valdese. Both drivers were transported to Caldwell Memorial Hospital, unfortunately succumbing to their injuries.

Unfortunately, Trooper Casey has determined that Ross had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, although the reasons why she veered across the center line are still unknown. During the hour that U.S.64 was closed in order to safely document the scene, the conditions and extent of the four children’s injuries in the minivan were not available for update.

This tragic accident serves as yet another reminder of the risks of driving without seatbelts and the importance of being aware of risks on the road. The situation is currently still being documented and the cause of the accident is still unknown.