Motorcyclist, SUV Passenger Die After High-Speed Collision Wednesday Afternoon

 The Wilmington Police Department has confirmed that two people were killed Wednesday afternoon in a devastating crash involving two SUVs and a motorcycle along Oleander Drive in Wilmington.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the 5900 block of Oleander Drive around 1:45 p.m. Police officers, local firefighters, and Novant EMS arrived to find a serious collision scene that temporarily shut down portions of the busy roadway. Initial reports indicated that one SUV and a motorcycle were involved, but authorities later clarified that a second SUV was also part of the crash. Occupants inside the second SUV sustained only minor injuries.

The motorcyclist was identified as 22-year-old Tacoma Reda of Wilmington. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the impact of the collision was severe, and despite emergency response efforts, there was no chance of survival.

In addition to the motorcyclist’s death, 62-year-old Ofelia Landa, a passenger in one of the SUVs, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Despite medical intervention, she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary findings from investigators suggest that speed may have been a significant factor in the crash. According to a department press release, witnesses reported that the motorcycle was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed, with some estimates ranging between 90 and 100 miles per hour prior to the collision. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The Wilmington Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing its investigation to determine the exact cause and contributing factors. Officers are reviewing witness statements, examining physical evidence from the scene, and analyzing any available surveillance or traffic camera footage.

Oleander Drive remained partially closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and investigators documented the scene. Traffic in the area has since resumed normal flow.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to come forward and contact the Wilmington Police Department.

The tragic incident has left two families mourning and the Wilmington community shaken. Authorities say the case remains active, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.