Two drivers were uninjured after crashing into a large tree that had fallen across the road. The two-vehicle crash occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday evening on NC Highway 22 near Harper Lane between Carthage and Whispering Pines.

The male driver of a Chevrolet passenger vehicle was traveling north on NC Highway 22 toward Carthage when he struck a large fallen tree that blocked the entire roadway.

The stretch of road runs through a deep, dark area and the driver was unable to see the tree until it was too late.

At the same time, a Chevrolet SUV was traveling south in the same area. The male driver of that vehicle encountered the same fallen tree and was able to avoid it, but veered off the road and into thick brush and standing water.

NC Highway 22 was closed for nearly two hours while emergency crews worked on the scene to recover the vehicles and clear the road.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation responded with the help of an excavator to clear the tree and debris from the road.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol was on scene and investigated the accident.

Authorities are urging Moore County residents to exercise caution as the county prepares for Tropical Storm Debby, which could down more trees and power lines, causing power outages and roadway hazards.

Responding units included the Carthage Fire Department, Carthage Police Department, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, NC Highway Patrol and NC DOT.

~Article, video and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn. Daniel has been covering breaking news for the Sandhills Sentinel since 2020.

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