ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A tractor-trailer driver has been charged in connection with a crash in Rockingham County that killed two adults and a 3-year-old boy, Highway Patrol said Wednesday night.

Patrick A. Sandifer, of Stoneville, is charged with three counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and one count of unsafe movement.

The wreck happened at about 11 a.m. Wednesday between Broadleaf Road and Bethlehem Church Road, about halfway between Eden and Reidsville.

Highway Patrol initially said a 1998 Ford Contour with two adult females and a child inside went left of center and collided with a three-axle International straight truck. All three occupants of the car died from injuries sustained. The driver of the truck was not injured.

“During the investigation process we concluded a third vehicle was involved. A tractor-trailer [operated by Sandifer] was also northbound on N.C. 14 and attempted to change lanes striking the Ford passenger car. This caused the car to go across the roadway into the southbound lanes,” Highway Patrol said in a news release on Wednesday night.

The two deceased adults were identified Wednesday evening by Highway Patrol as Deloras Gilley Willoughby, 68, of Eden, and Beth Yvonne Dickens, 24, of Eden.

Highway Patrol said the relationship between the three deceased people is great-grandmother, granddaughter and great-grandson. Highway Patrol did not release the name of the child.

Sandifer’s court date is set for Jan. 28.