A Morganton building was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon leading to the arrest of the driver, identified as Mynor Lopez-Velasquez. According to the Morganton Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred at 901 E. Union Street around 12:07 p.m., when Lopez-Velasquez, driving a black 2021 Toyota Camry, left the roadway and collided with the building, WSOCTV reported.
The crash resulted in the vehicle overturning, and although Lopez-Velasquez was the sole occupant and sustained minor injuries, he declined medical treatment at the scene. As per QC News, officials found Lopez-Velasquez to be impaired by alcohol, which led to his immediate arrest on charges of Driving While Impaired, No Operator’s License, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
Following the crash, Morganton Public Works was dispatched to clear debris from the roadway. The response to the incident was comprehensive, with Morganton Department of Public Safety Police and Fire Personnel, Burke EMS and Rescue, Morganton Public Works, and Morganton Electric all playing roles in the cleanup and investigation, WBTV outlined.
The authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the aftermath of the crash, or the structural integrity of the building struck by Lopez-Velasquez's car. However, it is understood that, the accident disrupted traffic and necessitated a coordinated effort from local agencies to manage the scene. Notifications regarding the restoration of normal traffic patterns and the structural assessment of the building are expected to be forthcoming from the City of Morganton.
