The road was still dark and quiet when life changed in an instant. Around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, a head-on collision along NC-87 near Broadway Road in Harnett County left three people dead and another fighting for their life. The crash forced authorities to shut down both directions of the highway as emergency crews rushed in.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a Toyota Camry crossed the center line while traveling along NC-87 and slammed head-on into a Chevy Z71 pickup truck. The impact was severe, leaving little chance for survival for some inside the vehicles.
The driver of the pickup was identified as 28-year-old William T. Underwood. Troopers said he died at the scene. Investigators later confirmed that Underwood was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Inside the Camry were three passengers. Two of them were killed in the collision. The third was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where doctors worked to stabilize severe injuries.
Authorities said all three individuals in the Camry were stationed at Fort Bragg. Their names have not yet been released. Officials are waiting until next of kin are properly notified through the military installation before sharing their identities publicly.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued an alert shortly after the crash, warning drivers that both directions of NC-87 near Broadway Road were closed. The highway remained shut down for several hours as investigators documented the scene and crews cleared the wreckage.
By about 7 a.m., the roadway reopened to traffic. Troopers continue to investigate what caused the Camry to cross the center line. For now, three families are grieving, and a community is left with the sobering reminder that a single moment on the road can carry lasting consequences.
