Driver killed after crossing centerline, colliding with fire truck, officials say

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — The driver of a Mazda Protege was killed after colliding head-on with a Kannapolis fire truck Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

Authorities said Tyrell Carlton, 29, was driving on Centergrove Road when he crossed the centerline and crashed into the fire engine.

Carlton was taken to Atrium Health-Northeast but did not survive.

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The firefighter driving the truck told investigators he saw the car crossing the line and slammed on the brakes and blew his horn, almost coming to a complete stop, but couldn't avoid the collision.

The four firefighters in the truck were taken to the same hospital with minor injuries.

No one else was in the Mazda.

Investigators said it appeared Carlton was either reaching for something in the back of the vehicle or suffering from a medical event. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Police said speed was not a factor in the crash.

Cox Media Group