TABOR CITY, Columbus County, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 — A bicyclist suffered major injuries Saturday evening, October 24, after a crash with a vehicle near Shug Norries Road and Swamp Fox Highway East in Tabor City, North Carolina.
Tabor City Fire, EMS crews and the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene at about 7:16 p.m. Saturday, according to Tabor City Fire Chief Jeff Fowler. Fowler said the person struck was riding a bicycle at the time of the crash.
The injured cyclist was airlifted to Grand Strand Medical Center in South Carolina for treatment. The extent of the injuries beyond "major" has not been detailed publicly.
Names of those involved, including the driver, have not been released.
The investigation remains open. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Tabor City, NC
This bicycle crash happened at Shug Norries Road and Swamp Fox Highway in Tabor City, NC. We cover crashes across Columbus County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Columbus County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cyclist do immediately after being hit by a car?
Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor, and avoid moving if there's any chance of a back, neck, or head injury until medical responders arrive. Get checked out by a medical provider the same day, since some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away.
Do cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers?
In North Carolina and most states, bicyclists are generally treated as vehicle operators with the same rights and responsibilities, meaning they're entitled to a lane position and the right of way under the same rules that govern cars.
Are bicycle crashes more likely to happen at intersections?
Many bicycle and vehicle collisions do occur at or near intersections and road junctions, where turning vehicles and crossing paths create more opportunities for a driver to miss seeing a rider. Rural highway crossings, like the one reported here, can carry similar risks, especially after dark.
What injuries are most common when a cyclist is hit by a vehicle?
Head injuries, broken bones, and road rash are common, along with internal injuries from the impact itself. Riders without a helmet face a higher risk of serious head trauma.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Tabor City, NC
If you or someone you know is involved in a bicycle crash in Tabor City, the first priority is medical care, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours to show symptoms. Once safety is addressed, try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report once it's filed. Keep the bicycle and any damaged gear as they are, without repairs or cleaning, in case they're needed later to understand what happened. Follow up with your doctor in the days after the crash, even if you were cleared at the scene, since whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries sometimes develop over time.
