Driver fatality on Old Whiteville Road amid flooding

LUMBERTON, NC (WWAY)– On Saturday afternoon, Lumberton Rescue and EMS responded to a call on Old Whiteville Road, located near the Columbus/Robeson County line.

Despite warnings that the road was closed due to flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, a motorist drove and entered the submerged area, where the water was 8 to 12 inches deep.

Rescue teams located the vehicle, which had been swept away by the floodwaters, and found the driver inside.

The driver did not survive.

The Allenton Fire Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Robeson EMS, Robeson 911, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and Highway Used Parts provided assistance during this incident.

The driver’s name has not yet been released, and the road still  remains closed.

This update was shared on the official Lumberton Rescue and EMS Facebook page.