One woman was killed and three other people were seriously injured after a van plowed into a crowd of runners in Avery County just before 7 p.m. Thursday.
The group was gathered at U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Linville for the start of “The Bear” race which is part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. It is a 5-mile footrace that starts at the intersection in Linville and ends on top of Grandfather Mountain.
Authorities said the person driving the van was working the race, helping to transport people up and down the mountain.
No charges have been filed against the driver at this time. The race was cancelled shortly after the incident.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Grandfather Mountain Highland Games organization and family, we are deeply saddened by tonight’s devastating event and extend our condolences to those affected,” Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President Steve Quillin said in a news release.
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games activities set for Friday through Sunday will go on as planned.