NC 711 crash | 7 dead in three-vehicle crash on NC 711 near Pembroke in Robeson County, North Carolina

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — Seven people were killed in a crash on NC 711 Thursday evening.

It happened near Pembroke in Robeson County around 6 p.m.

According to investigators, two vehicles were traveling west on NC 711 while another vehicle was traveling east. One of the vehicles drove left of center and attempted to overtake the other vehicle, ultimately ramming it from the side. The passing vehicle then collided with a third oncoming vehicle.

The passing vehicle left the road to the left and caught fire. The third vehicle left the road right next to the passing vehicle.

The weather has proven to have no influence on the crash. Authorities said speed appeared to be a factor for the passing vehicle, but the use of restraints and impairment were unknown.

First Sergeant Christopher D. Knox said all seven occupants of the passing vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Three of the seven were thrown from the vehicle.

Only one victim has been identified, but the name will not be released until next of kin are notified, he said. The driver and the other five victims had not been identified as of Friday morning.

The driver of the third vehicle, identified as John Hinston Dial, 25, of Pembroke, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to UNC Health Southeastern by Robeson County EMS. Authorities said he had no circumstances that contributed to the collision.

This is an ongoing investigation.