Smithfield grandmother killed, her 13-year-old grandson rushed to WakeMed after crash in Johnston County

Authorities said that a grandmother died and her grandson was hospitalized after a crash Wednesday evening on U.S. Highway 70 near Martin Livestock Road.

According to authorities, the crash happened when a transit van traveling westbound and a white SUV turned left into a church parking lot.

Authorities say Jean Thompson, 75, of Smithfield, is the grandmother who died and her 13-year-old grandson, a passenger, was transported to WakeMed as a trauma patient.

Reports said Thompson was taking her grandson to vacation bible school during the crash.

The transit van driver, Joseph Pavel, of Four Oaks, was also transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

No charges were announced.

Emergency crews on the scene cleared out around 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Princeton Church put out a statement:

"Please remember our community in your prayers as a family grieves the loss of a loved one this evening. We would like to thank all first responders and law enforcement who were incredibly quick and diligent in responding to the accident. Thank you so much for your prayers."

On Thursday, Princeton Church lead pastor Matthew Cornett said the teenage boy in the crash received treatment at WakeMed and has since returned home.

"It is an absolute miracle of God that he is ok," Cornett said.

Cornett also expressed his appreciation to the first responders for their efforts.

"I am so thankful for our first responders," Cornett said. "I am so thankful for law enforcement for what they do for our community."