Local

Driver killed after thrown from Porsche identified, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating after a man died in a single-car wreck on the light rail tracks early Sunday morning in south Charlotte.

The man was thrown from his 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo when he crashed around 2 a.m. at South Boulevard and Freeland Lane. He was identified as Sergei Vladimirovich Semyrog, 38.

Police said the driver was traveling north in the 4000 block of Old Pineville Road when he lost control in a curve just before the light rail crossing. The car went off the road, hit some light rail equipment, a fence and went onto the light rail tracks.

The man was flung from the car and pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said speed and the lack of a seat belt is believed to have contributed. It is not known if alcohol was a factor.

Police shut down South Boulevard between Whitton Street and Old Pineville Road while they investigated.

No Lynx vehicles were running at the time. Charlotte Area Transportation System officials ran a bus on the Lynx Blue Line from I-485 to the Scaleybark station during the investigation.

The crash is still under investigation.