Four People Injured in Crash Linked to NC Central Homecoming Party, Authorities Say
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — Law enforcement officials say four people were injured Wednesday night in a crash that occurred near a large homecoming party tied to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in nearby Person County. The chaotic scene drew hundreds of attendees and caused traffic disruptions as cars lined both sides of rural roads.
Crash Involving SUV Leaves Four Injured
According to authorities, the crash happened around 8:24 p.m. on Gray Road, just north of Berry Road, when an SUV carrying eight passengers struck a parked vehicle and overturned. Troopers believe the parked car was partially in the roadway at the time.
Four of the passengers were taken to Duke Hospital with injuries, and officials confirmed that two of the victims were ejected during the rollover when the glass shattered. Despite the severity of the crash, all eight people inside the SUV are expected to survive.
Investigators have not confirmed whether alcohol or impairment played a role, and it remains unclear if the passengers were NCCU students.
Party Tied to NC Central Homecoming Celebration
Law enforcement agencies said the crash was linked to a massive multi-college gathering near the Person–Orange County line. The event was reportedly part of North Carolina Central University’s Homecoming Week, which runs from October 17 through October 25.
Sky 5 aerial footage captured hundreds of people at the property, with dozens more walking along the side of the road and crossing in front of moving traffic to reach the party.
“The group that I came with, we came a little late and we couldn’t even get in,” said Matthew J., an NCCU student. “It’s cold out here and we’re trying to get a lift.”
Parking Chaos and Uncoordinated Event Oversight
The Person County Sheriff’s Office said the party was legal but much larger than expected, adding that there was no coordination with local authorities or public safety agencies.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that guests began illegally parking along the road and in residents’ yards without permission. Deputies said the situation quickly got out of control as cars clogged traffic and blocked driveways.
“It has been insane with all the cars and people,” one resident told WRAL News. “Tow trucks had to come remove vehicles parked in the middle of the road.”
Law enforcement from multiple agencies — including Person County deputies, Orange County deputies, Highway Patrol troopers, and State ALE agents — responded to the scene to manage traffic and address potential alcohol and narcotic violations.
Students Stranded Miles From Campus
After numerous vehicles were towed overnight, many students were left stranded miles from NCCU’s Durham campus. Several attendees criticized what they described as poor organization and communication surrounding the event.
“This is my first year here and I just feel like they’re really unorganized,” said Eboni Grant, an NCCU student. “There are a lot of kids out here stranded and don’t know what to do.”
A History of Safety Concerns During NCCU Homecoming
The 2025 homecoming festivities come a year after two separate shootings occurred during the university’s 2024 homecoming week, leaving four people injured. Following those incidents, NCCU officials implemented new safety policies — including restrictions on campus parking for visitors and increased law enforcement presence at sanctioned events.
Despite those measures, Wednesday night’s off-campus party drew massive crowds and significant safety concerns. Authorities say they are now evaluating whether additional coordination will be required for future homecoming celebrations to prevent similar situations.
Have you experienced unsafe conditions or traffic concerns during large college events in your area? Share your story with the Saluda Standard-Sentinel at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
