IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities are investigating a three-vehicle accident that left two people injured and another dead, officials said. The North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to milepost 77 on Interstate 77 North at 10:20 p.m.
A 72-year-old man driving a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz and a 74-year-old man driving a 2015 Dodge Caravan stopped in the left lane after their vehicles colided, reports said. A 22-year-old woman driving a 2003 Toyota Corolla failed to reduce speed and hit the Dodge, forcing it into the Hyundai and into both drivers standing next to their vehicles.
Donald Bethune, who had exited his Dodge Caravan, sustained critical injuries when his vehicle was pushed into him by the impact. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital for urgent treatment. Officials said an 18-year-old man, a passenger in the Corolla, died at the scene.
Authorities charged the Corolla’s driver with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed. Officials said impairment has not been determined as a contributing factor.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with relevant information to contact the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
