An investigation is underway in Burke County after an elderly driver was involved in a fatal crash earlier today, according to a report from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, as mentioned by WCNC. Around 4:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70 near North Center Street in Hildebran, an 83-year-old man identified as Charles Terry of Icard veered across the center line in his 2000 Honda CR-V, subsequently striking two parked cars and a power pole before careening back onto the road and hitting another power pole, WCNC reported.
Further detailing the incident, WBTV noted that the collision did not appear to involve either excessive speed or impairment, and the aftermath resulted in a road closure that lasted several hours to allow utility crews to repair the downed power poles and restore the affected utility lines, Troopers advised that the closure was necessary for the repairs and the investigation into the crash but didn't specify when the road would reopen though it led to traffic delays for the morning commute.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed these details, further stating that no immediate signs suggested that Terry's speed or a state of impairment had led to the tragic incident in which he ultimately lost his life, according to WCCB Charlotte's report.
While the Highway Patrol continues the investigation to conclude on the definitive cause of the crash, the local community reckons with the sudden and somber loss of a member.
