Brunswick County, NC (May 16, 2026) – A five-vehicle crash caused traffic delays Friday morning on U.S. 17 near Leland in Brunswick County.
The collision occurred on southbound U.S. 17 just before the Leland exit near the Alligator Creek Bridge. Officials said the crash was reported at about 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 16.
Emergency units responded to the scene, where multiple vehicles were found damaged, including an ambulance involved in the crash. Authorities confirmed that two people suffered minor injuries.
Traffic disruptions followed the collision, with the two left lanes closed while crews worked to manage the scene and clear the roadway.
Additional details about what led to the crash and the identities of those involved have not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Can Lead to Lane Closures and Delays
Multi-vehicle crashes on highways often result in lane closures because emergency responders need space to treat injuries and safely remove damaged vehicles. Even minor injuries can require several minutes of on-scene medical assessment before traffic can fully resume.
When multiple vehicles are involved, investigators typically review the sequence of impacts to determine how the crash developed. This often includes examining vehicle spacing, braking patterns, and roadway conditions at the time of the collision.
Highway bridges and exits, like those near Leland, can also contribute to congestion during incidents due to reduced merging space. Traffic management crews may temporarily restrict lanes until the roadway is cleared and deemed safe for normal travel.
