Fatal crash NC | Seven Original Desserts Company employees were killed in a collision in Robeson County

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. – A North Carolina community is searching for answers after a fiery car crash left seven people dead last Thursday.

The names of the accident victims have not been released as their bodies are still being positively identified. However, Steven Roberts Original Desserts Company confirms that the seven people who died worked there. Representatives said they hung arches outside the door to honor the victims.

“When you sit there and talk about seven bodies and then four of them burn the same way they did, and then the bodies actually have to be removed from the vehicle, it leaves a lasting impression on you,” said Justin Hunt Fire Chief, Deep Branch Fire Department.

According to authorities, seven people were traveling in an SUV westbound on NC 711 near Pembroke, North Carolina. It went left of center and sideswiped another car. The SUV then crashed into a pickup truck and went off the road into a swamp before catching fire. Three people were thrown from the car and four were trapped inside when the SUV burst into flames.

“I've been in emergency services for 20 years and this was by far the worst scene I've ever seen,” Hunt said.

The car that was sideswiped left the scene, while the truck driver who was struck is expected to be OK. But the remains of six of the seven victims are still being examined by the state medical examiner's office.

Authorities say speed was a factor and Hunt is urging people to be more careful on the roads.

“Try to leave the house a little earlier than usual. Give yourself a little more time to say, 'Hey, I don't have to walk 60 or 70 to get there.'”