One dead after van strikes crowd gathered to watch North Carolina runners’ race

A van plowed through a crowd of people gathered together to watch a race in North Carolina, leaving one person dead and four more injured.

Both racers and observers were awaiting the start of “The Bear,” a five-mile run up Grandfather Mountain in Linville, when the incident occurred on Thursday in the parking lot of Chestnut Construction. The race was being held as part of the Highland Games, a four-day celebration of Scottish culture, the Charlotte Observer reported.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said a Ford Econoline van attempted to leave the parking lot, but instead accelerated into the crowd, fatally striking 72-year-old Julie Holderness.

Another three people were treated for injuries while a fourth declined medical care as well as authorities’ request for an interview.

“After impact with the pedestrians, the van struck a John Deere Gator utility vehicle and came to a final rest,” the State Highway Patrol reports. “SHP investigators do not believe the act to have been intentional.”

The driver of the van was identified as James Russell Deni, an 80-year-old from Boone, according to the Observer. He’s facing misdemeanor charges including death by vehicle and unsafe movement, police said.

An investigation into the incident ins ongoing.

The race, set to start around 7 p.m., was canceled. The remaining activities scheduled as part of the games are set to continue through Sunday as scheduled.