The Wilmington Police Department has confirmed that two people were killed in a crash involving two SUVs and a motorcycle that temporarily closed parts of Oleander Drive on Wednesday afternoon.
Police officers, firefighters, and Novant EMS were dispatched to the 5900 block of Oleander Drive around 1:45 p.m. Initially, authorities reported only one SUV was involved with the motorcycle but later confirmed a second SUV was part of the collision. Occupants of the second SUV sustained only minor injuries.
The motorcyclist, 22-year-old Tacoma Reda of Wilmington, died at the scene. 62-year-old Ofelia Landa, a passenger in one of the SUVs, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and later pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigation by WPD indicates the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed. Witnesses estimated speeds approaching 90 to 100 mph, according to a department press release.
The Wilmington Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate the crash. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact WPD.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
