Two drivers escaped injury after crashing into a large tree that had fallen across the road. The two-vehicle crash happened on N.C. Highway 22 near Harper Lane between Carthage and Whispering Pines around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night.
The male driver of a Chevrolet passenger car was traveling north on N.C. Highway 22 towards Carthage when he crashed into a large tree that had fallen down, blocking the entire roadway, according to officials on scene.
The stretch of road is in a low, dark area and the driver was unable to see the tree until it was too late.
At the same time as this crash, a Chevrolet SUV was traveling south through the same area. The male driver of that vehicle came upon the same downed tree and was able to swerve around it but ran off the roadway into thick brush and standing water, according to authorities.
N.C. Highway 22 was shut down for almost two hours while crews worked the scene to remove the vehicles and clear the road.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation responded with a backhoe to assist with moving the tree and debris off the roadway.
N.C. Highway Patrol was on scene investigating the crash.
Authorities urge Moore County residents to use caution as the county braces itself against Tropical Storm Debby, which may bring down more trees or power lines, resulting in power outages and road hazards.Â
Responding units were the Carthage Fire Department, Carthage Police Department, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. Highway Patrol, and N.C. DOT.
~Article, video, and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn. Daniel has been reporting breaking news for Sandhills Sentinel since 2020.
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