Local

Man dies when vehicle crashes into power pole

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A vehicle was traveling to the Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market on Yorkmont Road in Charlotte on Saturday morning when the car struck a power pole, killing the driver, according to authorities.

Surya Akula was driving a 2001 Toyota Camry, heading west on Yorkmont Road at about 10:30 a.m. when the vehicle careened sideways in the wet grass and struck a utility pole on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Akula was pronounced dead on the scene.

Three passengers, including a toddler, were taken to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The passengers were Ravi Sanka, Ragachandrika Athukuri and a 23-month-old girl.

At the time of the crash, it was raining heavily and police said all occupants of the vehicle were properly restrained.

Police determined that alcohol and excessive speed were not factors in the crash.

The crash is under investigation.

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