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CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The Highway Patrol in Catawba County is investigating a deadly head-on crash Wednesday night south of Hickory.
The collision happened around 7 p.m. along Highway 127 South near Gordon Road in the Mountainview community.
Breaking Catawba County- Highway 127 south of Hickory is shutdown in the Mountain View area after a deadly crash involving two vehicles. Watch channel 9 for updates on this developing story. pic.twitter.com/D5goPCwBfv
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) October 28, 2021
State troopers said a 1999 Mercedes Benz E300 was heading north on NC 127 when it went left of center and collided with a southbound 2018 Hyundai Elantra.
The driver of the Mercedes, 55-year-old James Nelson Poovey Jr., of Hickory, died at the scene. Troopers said he was not wearing a seatbelt.
Investigators also said they believe alcohol impairment was a factor in the collision.
The 19-year-old driver of the Hyundai suffered only minor injuries, troopers said.
The road had to be closed for nearly two hours while troopers investigated and removed both cars.
(Watch the video below: Man accused of pulling gun on worker shot by police officers in Hickory)
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