Rescue workers free two people and three animals

Two people were hospitalized following a head-on collision in Beaufort County on Friday, August 16.

First responders from the Blounts Creek Fire Department responded to the crash on Highway 33 near CCC Road, where they said two people were trapped in their vehicles and one vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Due to several rescues, Chocowinity Fire was asked for assistance.

According to officials, the two people were extricated from the vehicles within 30 minutes of their arrival. One person was flown to ECU Health in Greenville, while the other injured person was taken to ECU Health in Washington for further medical treatment.

According to fire officials, Beaufort County Animal Control was called to the scene to rescue a dog, cat and baby raccoon that were also freed from a vehicle.

As a result of the accident, NC Highway 33 was closed for an extended period of time.

The number of injured and the cause of the accident are currently unknown.

Numerous agencies assisted, including the Blounts Creek Fire Department, Chocowinity Fire Department, Beaufort County Emergency Services, Aurora Emergency Services, Chocowinity Emergency Services, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and the State Highway Patrol.