A young male driver was trapped and flown Saturday morning following a violent crash near Jackson Springs. The single-vehicle incident occurred just before 11 a.m. on Jackson Springs Road, about a half mile past the Jackson Springs Post Office.
According to investigators on the scene, a Dodge truck was driving west on Jackson Springs Road when it crossed the center line around a curve, nearly colliding with an eastbound car.
The truck then overcorrected, swerved, plunged down an embankment, and struck a tree. The hit ripped off the passenger-side wheels, causing significant damage and throwing debris over the road.
The driver of the nearly hit vehicle turned around to help the young man, but was unable to release him from his seat belt. Fortunately, a second vehicle arrived, and the good Samaritans successfully freed the young man from the truck.
When the first rescue workers got on the site, the truck was completely engulfed in flames.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol was investigating the crash, and they confirmed to the Sandhills Sentinel that speed was a factor.
The individual was taken to a landing zone on Derby Road and evacuated to a trauma facility. His current state is unclear.
Rockwell Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.