A child was killed in a crash involving a 14-year-old driver in Uwharrie National Forest on Sunday afternoon, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when the driver lost control of the vehicle while transporting a family of four. Authorities reported that a 10-year-old child, who was a passenger, succumbed to injuries at the scene.
Emergency responders, including local fire and EMS units, arrived promptly to assist. Two adults in the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Another passenger, a 14-year-old, did not report injuries.
North Carolina Highway Patrol is ongoing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released the identities of the individuals involved. No additional vehicles were reported to be involved in the incident.
As a result of the accident, officials temporarily closed one lane of NC Highway 49 to facilitate the investigation and vehicle recovery. The lane has since reopened, and local traffic is resuming normal flow.
Further details will be made available as the investigation continues, authorities said.