Five people were transported to the hospital Saturday following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 15-501 near Carthage that troopers are investigating as a no-contact hit-and-run.
The crash happened along Highway 15-501 between N.C. 24/27 and Priest Hill Road.
A Ford Explorer was traveling westbound on Highway 15-501 when witnesses said an eastbound truck attempted to pass another vehicle by entering the westbound lane.
Witnesses told Moore County News at the scene that the driver of the Explorer swerved to avoid the oncoming truck, lost control and ran off the right side of the highway.
The Explorer traveled down an embankment, struck several trees and overturned.
Troopers consider the incident a hit-and-run with no contact because the passing truck caused the Explorer to crash despite the two vehicles never making contact. The truck continued from the scene.
Five people were inside the SUV at the time of the crash. All five were transported to the hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately available.
Four of the five occupants had to be helped from the vehicle by bystanders or first responders following the crash.
Highway 15-501 was shut down in both directions between N.C. 24/27 and Priest Hill Road while emergency crews worked at the scene and the vehicle was removed. The highway has since reopened.
Additional details about the truck and the investigation were not immediately available.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
