Dunn, NC (January 12, 2026) – A tragic crash in Harnett County claimed the life of one individual on Sunday morning following a violent two-vehicle collision in the 1700 block of West Cumberland St. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:20 a.m., where they found significant damage, including a downed power pole and disabled traffic lights.
One of the victims was rushed to Betsy Johnson Hospital with serious injuries but was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
The crash had a major impact on local infrastructure. The force of the collision snapped a power pole and brought down traffic signals, prompting the closure of eastbound lanes of W Cumberland St between N Powell Ave and Erwin Rd. Crews from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) responded to begin the lengthy process of replacing the pole and reprogramming the traffic lights, work expected to last five to six hours.
Due to the severity of the crash, the Dunn Police Department requested support from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. A forensic investigator from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office was also called to assist in the scene examination.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and further updates from local authorities are anticipated.
Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
