UPDATE: A rollover crash linked to a massive party in Person County has left a North Carolina Central University student without a car. Jayden Moody, a junior at NCCU, discovered his vehicle in a ditch after the chaotic “Oil Spill” event drew an estimated 5,000 attendees on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, causing significant disruption in the area.
Moody, who purchased a ticket but couldn’t enter the party due to capacity limits, reported, “Then I came back, made some calls today, now my car is in a ditch.” He expressed relief that he wasn’t inside the vehicle when it was struck. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that a 21-year-old woman driving eight others from the party collided with Moody’s parked car before overturning. Four passengers in her vehicle sustained injuries, with one person ejected, but all are expected to recover.
Residents near the event expressed their frustrations, with local Jake May stating, “We’ve dealt with similar situations, but nothing to that level.” He noted that this was the largest gathering they had encountered in six years. The overwhelming crowd created a “nightmare” for local roads, prompting complaints about erratic driving and littering.
Authorities reported that the party was not officially sanctioned by any university, yet it resulted in a significant law enforcement response. Sheriff Jason Wilborn indicated that he had been informed of the event but lacked the legal means to restrict it. “We were overwhelmed,” he said, referencing the influx of emergency calls regarding vehicles trespassing on private property.
Moody lamented his car’s fate, saying, “If I didn’t drive, I wouldn’t even be going through any of this.” He and others involved have raised concerns about the lack of transportation options in the remote area, where cell service is limited and reliable rides are scarce.
Despite the chaos, event organizers worked to clean up the site on Thursday, attempting to address the damage caused to the community. They have also agreed to compensate a landowner for damaged crops resulting from the party. Wilborn urged future organizers to communicate with law enforcement ahead of large events to ensure public safety.
As the community grapples with the fallout from the “Oil Spill” party, residents and students alike are left questioning how to balance social events with safety and law enforcement concerns. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with large gatherings and the need for responsible planning.
