One man was transported to Moore Regional Hospital after a Lexus smashed into a tree on Saturday. Just before 12:30 p.m., traffic on Highway 15-501 in Aberdeen came to a standstill as first responders worked to rescue the driver from the wreckage.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Glasgow Street and Highway 15-501, where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. The driver veered from the road, up an embankment, and into the tree line before striking a pine tree.
According to authorities on the scene, witnesses reported the driver of the Lexus had been speeding significantly while traveling on 15-501. Though the cause of the accident is still under investigation, speed and failure to maintain lane are both believed to be factors.
The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle.
The Lexus sustained heavy damage, most notably to the front end, where it had barreled into the tree.
Traffic on 15-501 was diverted around the site of the crash and temporarily brought down to one lane while first responders worked to free the driver and clear the scene of debris from the wreckage, which took just over an hour.
Responding to the scene were the Aberdeen Police Department, Aberdeen Fire Department, N.C. State Highway Patrol, and Moore County EMS.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Abegail Murphy.
