What was meant to be a relaxing day in the sun quickly turned into a terrifying emergency for one teenage girl on a North Carolina beach.
The 15-year-old was lying out on the sand in Oak Island when she was accidentally run over by a pickup truck involved in beach survey work.
It happened just after 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, near the area between Keziah Street and Womble Street.
Local safety officials rushed to the scene after receiving reports that someone had been struck by a vehicle moving along the beach.
Paramedics Respond as Girl Suffers Injuries to Her Legs
Though her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, the teen was carefully evaluated by medics on site.
Out of precaution, she was later transported to Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in nearby Bolivia, North Carolina, for further checks.
Officials have not shared the girl’s name or an update on her condition, but say she was alert and conscious when help arrived.
The Truck Was Working on a Beach Project, Not a Patrol
The vehicle involved—a 2020 GMC pickup truck—was part of a private beach survey operation.
It was being used by TI Coastal Services, a contractor hired by engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol to conduct land and sea assessments for Oak Island’s upcoming 2025–26 Beach Nourishment Project.
Town officials stressed that this was not part of any patrol or beach safety work, despite rumors swirling online.
Officials Clear Up Misinformation Blaming Beach Patrol
After the incident, false claims began spreading on social media, suggesting the truck belonged to Oak Island’s Beach Safety Unit.
Town officials quickly responded, calling that speculation completely false.
In a firm statement, the town said, “This accident was not caused by our Beach Safety Unit.
Claims like this can quickly erode public trust in emergency responders and should not be repeated.”
No Charges Filed Yet, But Investigation Is Ongoing
At this point, authorities have not said whether the truck driver will face any charges.
The investigation is still active, and TI Coastal Services has not issued any public comment about the incident.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the company for a response.
Town officials added that notices about the ongoing survey work had been sent out to residents well in advance, including through official newsletters.
Similar Case in Florida Still Fresh in Public Memory
This latest scare comes only a few months after a similar incident in Sarasota County, Florida, where a lifeguard accidentally drove over two teen girls on Nokomis Beach.
The lifeguard was operating a Ford F-150 and said his view was blocked by the truck’s hood.
He didn’t see the girls lying in the sand until he felt the bump and immediately stopped.
One girl was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, while the other was airlifted to All Children’s Hospital after suffering a broken pelvis and potential internal injuries.
Beach Safety Under Scrutiny Amid Growing Concerns
With these two serious accidents happening just months apart—both involving teens sunbathing on public beaches—the issue of vehicle use on sandy areas is facing new scrutiny.
Many are now questioning whether there’s enough regulation or awareness about the dangers that trucks pose on crowded beaches.
In the meantime, officials in Oak Island continue to investigate the July 14 incident, urging residents to be mindful of ongoing projects and reminding the public to rely on official statements—not online hearsay—for accurate updates.