A quiet Monday afternoon in Conover turned deadly when a car veered off Conover Boulevard West, slammed into a telephone pole and then a bridge pillar, killing two residents. Authorities later identified the victims as Nathan Lehman and Harriet Lehman, both from Conover. Police said the 2013 Hyundai was headed eastbound around 2:20 p.m. when it left the roadway. Investigators noted that weather conditions did not appear to play a role.
What Police Said
According to WCNC, Conover officers reported that the vehicle left the travel lane, hit a telephone pole and then struck a bridge pillar. Both people inside were pronounced dead at the scene. Officers told the station they got the call at about 2:20 p.m. and that crash investigators were working to determine what caused the driver to lose control.
Road Closures And Response
WSOC reported that Conover Boulevard West was shut down near the bridges over U.S. 70 while emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. Officers urged drivers to detour around the closure, and crews remained in the area for hours as the investigation continued and the wreckage was cleared.
Crash Trends In Conover
Local crash records show this stretch of Conover Boulevard West is no stranger to collisions, and mid-afternoon often shows up as a busy window for wrecks. In the Conover Police Department's 2022 annual crash analysis, intersections along Conover Boulevard West were listed among the top spots for reported crashes, with most incidents happening in clear, dry weather during daylight. The Conover Police Department recommended targeted enforcement and public education to bring those numbers down.
Investigation Ongoing
Conover police are still piecing together what led the Hyundai to leave the road, and no further details have been released about the moments before impact, WCNC reported. Authorities have asked anyone who may have seen the crash or has information about it to contact the Conover Police Department. Investigators said they plan to share more as they learn it.
