DALLAS, N.C.,None — Grief counselors are meeting with students and staff at Carr Elementary School in Dallas as they mourn the death of a teacher killed in a horrific car crash.
Christina Whelan, 27, died shortly after the accident southbound on Interstate 85 at the McAdenville exit, exit 23.
The Highway Patrol said a small explosion in Whelan's 2009 Scion sent tiny pieces into nearby cars and caused Whelan's accelerator to stick. Investigators said her car was going at a very high rate of speed when it hit a tree moments later.
"The whole car is messed up. The top and everything -- it's crushed down on top of her," a 911 caller said. "(She) smacked into the tree and come back down. The motor and everything is gone."
RAW AUDIO: Man Calls 911 After Seeing Teacher's Horrific Crash
Eyewitness News listened to both calls made to 911 regarding the crash and neither mentions an explosion.
The Highway Patrol has stored the car in a garage at a Gastonia shop. Investigators said they are not letting anyone near it until they download information from the car's black box.
Toyota representatives said Whelan's Scion tC was not involved in any recalls.
Troopers plan to reconstruct the accident scene after the evening rush hour Wednesday.
Whelan also taught at Brookside Elementary School in Gastonia for six years.
Her death was just two days before her birthday.
WSOC
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