Murder charges after 3 killed in apparent drag racing wreck in N.C.

MIDDLESEX, N.C. -- Officials in North Carolina say three people have died and four others were hurt in a wreck that apparently happened during a drag race.

Witnesses told CBS affiliate WRAL that two cars were racing when one driver lost control and struck a group of people who were standing nearby around 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Jimmy Pearce, 37, the driver of that car, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, WRAL reported.

The names of the victims weren't immediately released.

The wreck happened near the Johnston County-Nash County line.

North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. Curtis Manning told WNCN-TV troopers are investigating whether there was a pre-arranged racing competition that led to the crash.

Manning said four people were taken to a Raleigh hospital for treatment.