Lenoir, NC (April 19, 2026) – Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on US Highway 64 at Union Baptist Road in Caldwell County. The collision occurred on Friday, April 17, with emergency units responding to the scene shortly after 8:46 p.m.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling east crossed the centerline and struck a 2006 Honda Civic. After the impact, the Ford left the roadway, hit a guardrail and a utility pole, and the driver fled on foot.
The Honda was left disabled in the roadway and was later struck by a westbound 2015 Ford F-250. The driver of the Honda, identified as 78-year-old Pink Grant Lackey of Lenoir, and an 11-year-old passenger both died at the scene.
Authorities later located the driver of the Ford F-150, a 20-year-old Hickory man, in nearby woods. He was taken into custody without injury. Investigators reported that speed and impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed.
Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those killed.
How Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Can Escalate Quickly
Multi-vehicle crashes on highways can become especially severe when an initial collision blocks travel lanes. When a disabled vehicle remains in the roadway, it increases the risk of secondary impacts from oncoming traffic.
Speed and impaired driving can significantly increase both the likelihood and severity of these incidents. When vehicles are traveling at highway speeds, drivers may have limited time to react to sudden obstacles.
In cases involving multiple impacts, investigators often reconstruct each stage of the crash separately. This helps determine how the initial collision led to subsequent events and the overall sequence of impacts.
