2510 Berry Pearce Rd, Timberlake, NC 27583, USA — Four people were injured in a crash Wednesday night that was connected to a massive party celebrating NC Central University's homecoming.
The party was not an NC Central-sponsored or sanctioned event, but according to the Person County Sheriff's Office, the party was held for people celebrating the school's homecoming, which has official events that run from Oct. 17 through Oct. 25.
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According to law enforcement, the crash happened around 8:24 p.m. on Gray Road just north of Berry Road in Orange County. Police said the wreck was connected to "a large party taking place with a multi-college gathering" in nearby Person County.
Law enforcement said an SUV carrying eight people hit a unoccupied parked car and overturned. Troopers believe the parked car was partially in the road when the crash happened.
Authorities said two people who were in the cargo area of the SUV were ejected from the SUV when the glass shattered in the rollover.
The four people who were injured were taken to Duke Hospital for treatment. It is unclear if the victims were students at NC Central or if impairment was involved.
NC Central said that the school has not been informed that the individuals injured are students.
Large party causes massive traffic headaches
According to law enforcement, the crash is believed to be tied to a homecoming party for NC Central students at a property near the crash site.
Sky 5 flew over the scene and saw hundreds of people at the party, with dozens more walking along the side of the road and crossing in front of traffic to get to the party.
"The group that I came with, we came a little late and we couldn't even get in," said Matthew J, a NC Central Student at the party. "We could not even enter. It's cold out here and we're trying to get a lift."
WRAL News has investigated several illegal parties at a Durham County home where Duke University students would attend. Lawmakers said in June they were looking into amending the state's agritourism law to close a loophole that allows similar parties.
The Person County Sheriff's Office told WRAL News that while the party was legal, they were unaware of it being this large, adding that there was no coordination with them or other law enforcement agencies.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said people arriving at the party had nowhere to park and began illegally parking along the road and in homeowners' yards without permission.
"It has been insane with all the cars and people," said one resident, who declined to share their name. "tow trucks having to tow vehicles away because they are in the road."
Orange County deputies said several of the property owners called to have the cars towed and they, along with the Person County deputies, Highway Patrol troopers and State ALE agents assisted with traffic issues and alcohol and narcotic violations.
Due to the number of cars that were towed Wednesday night, many students were left miles away from campus with no way to get back.
"This is my first year here and I just feel like they’re really unorganized and they need to get their stuff together to be honest," said Eboni Grant, an NC Central student. "Because as you can see there are a lot of kids out here stranded, and don’t know what to do."
Four people were shot in two unrelated shootings at NC Central during the school's homecoming celebrations in 2024. In response to the shootings, NC Central announced several changes related to safety for the festivities, including that visitors would not be able to park on campus.
