North Carolina State Highway Patrol reports that Highway 24 in Onslow County is closed in both directions due to a fatal head-on collision that occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m.
According to authorities, a red truck traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes near Steam Shovel Road collided head-on with a black passenger car in the left westbound lane.
The impact pushed the red truck into the median and sent the black passenger car onto the shoulder.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. An 11-year-old child, who was in the black passenger car wearing a seatbelt, sustained injuries and was transported for medical aid.
The identities of the drivers remain undisclosed as next of kin notifications are pending.
Local law enforcement is investigating the crash, and tow trucks are on-site managing the vehicles. Traffic delays are expected while the scene is cleared.