Elm City, NC (April 28, 2026) – A 6-year-old boy died at the scene after a head-on crash on Monday afternoon, April 27, on Bridgersville Road just east of Haynes Road near Elm City in rural Wilson County. The crash involved two Toyota vehicles and left multiple people injured.
A 2022 Toyota Corolla was traveling west on Bridgersville Road when it crossed left of center into the eastbound lane. It then struck a 2024 Toyota Sequoia head-on. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway after the impact.
The Corolla was driven by Jonathan M. Hardison, 31, of Elm City. He had two children in the rear seat. Reports indicate they were not properly restrained at the time of the crash.
A 6-year-old boy in the Corolla was partially ejected and died at the scene. A 7-year-old girl from the same vehicle suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Hardison was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Sequoia, Gina W. Bridgers, 40, of Elm City, along with two children in her vehicle, was not injured. The ages of those children were not confirmed.
Charges are pending as the case remains under review.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Investigators Typically Review After a Head-On Crash Involving Multiple Occupants
After a head-on crash, investigators often focus on vehicle positions, roadway markings, and impact points to understand how the collision occurred. These early observations help establish the direction of travel and whether any vehicle left its lane.
Occupant information is also reviewed, including seating positions and restraint use. This can help clarify injury patterns, especially in cases involving children or multiple passengers. Vehicle safety features and damage levels are also assessed.
Road conditions, visibility, and traffic flow at the time of the crash may be examined. In many cases, this information is gathered alongside medical reports to build a clearer timeline of events.
Witness statements and physical evidence from the scene may also contribute to reconstructing the sequence of impact and vehicle movement before and after the collision.
