DURHAM, Durham County, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 — A girl riding a scooter was seriously hurt on Sunday night, October 25, when a suspected drunk driver crashed into her and three other vehicles near Cecil Street on N.C. 55 in Durham. Four other people involved in the crash suffered minor injuries.
Durham police believe the driver was impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash. The girl on the scooter was taken to a hospital with serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The four other people hurt in the multi-vehicle wreck were treated for minor injuries.
The crash left multiple vehicles damaged along the roadway and interrupted traffic on what is normally a quiet section of N.C. 55. Charges against the driver are reportedly pending as police continue to gather evidence.
It is not yet clear what led police to suspect impairment, and officials have not said when, or whether, formal charges will be filed. The investigation remains open, according to Durham police.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Durham, NC
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Cecil Street in Durham, NC. We cover crashes across Durham County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Durham County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are secondary crashes common after an initial wreck?
Yes. Once one vehicle collides or stops suddenly, following drivers often have little time to react, which can trigger a chain of additional collisions involving other cars, bikes, or scooters nearby.
What makes multi-vehicle crashes hard to investigate?
Investigators have to sort out the order of impacts, how fast each vehicle was moving, and how each driver reacted, which usually takes witness statements, scene evidence and sometimes video footage before a clear sequence emerges.
What typically causes pile-ups involving several vehicles?
Common factors include impaired or distracted driving, sudden braking, limited visibility and vehicles following too closely, any of which can turn a single collision into one involving several cars or other road users.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Durham, NC
If you're involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, start by checking yourself and others for injuries, then call 911 right away. Move to a safe spot off the roadway if you're able to, since secondary crashes can happen quickly in heavy traffic. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional, since injuries from a crash involving multiple impacts aren't always obvious right away. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get a copy of the police report once it's available. Durham residents dealing with a multi-vehicle crash should keep all medical and repair records organized in case they're needed later.
