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Man killed when speeding car hits power pole, tree, troopers say

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A driver was killed early Wednesday when his speeding car crashed into a power pole before careening into a tree in Catawba County, according to the Highway Patrol.

The crash happened just before 5 a.m. on Saint James Church Road, near Maiden.

Troopers told Channel 9 Aaron Lineberger was speeding down the road when his car slammed into a power pole, spun out and then hit a tree.

[ALSO READ: Driver dead after cars goes off York County road, hits tree, troopers say]

Lineberger, who was the only person in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said they believe speed was a factor in the crash which knocked out power to several homes nearby.

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Duke Energy crews worked on fixing the downed lines and the road was closed near Ellick Drive for about three hours.