A driver lost her life following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 15-501, just north of the intersection with Highway 73 in Eastwood. The wreck occurred shortly before 7:15 p.m. on Saturday night.
According to authorities who responded to the crash, the vehicle veered from the road, struck a tree, and completely rolled over. The driver was ejected from the vehicle before it came to a stop. Emergency responders found the woman unresponsive on the roadway and pronounced her deceased on the scene.
Emergency crews discovered a child’s car seat, toys, wipes, and a sippy cup in the back seat of the vehicle, prompting concerns that a child might have been trapped in the wreckage. Using hydraulic tools, they removed the doors to search the vehicle but did not find a child.
Still uncertain if a child had been in the vehicle at the time of the crash, responders initiated a search and rescue mission along the path of the crash. Firefighters combed through the woods and used thermal imaging technology but did not locate a child or any additional victims.
On Monday, Sandhills Sentinel followed up with the Highway Patrol, which identified the woman as Kaitlin Carney, 33, of Aberdeen. She was traveling at a high rate of speed and was not wearing her seatbelt.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol told Sandhills Sentinel They did note to Sandhills Sentinel that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
On Monday, Highway P
~Article, video, and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
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