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Good Samaritans help 2 people in Catawba County rollover crash

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Two people were involved in a crash after an SUV rear-ended a truck and both rolled over Friday morning on Highway 16 in Catawba County, troopers said.

The crash happened just before 10 a.m. on Highway 16, south of Bethany Church Road near Newton.

Troopers said one of the drivers was pulling a riding mower behind his truck when he stopped to make a turn onto Woodstone Drive and was rear-ended by an SUV.

The impact knocked the truck on its side, sending the SUV into the air before it landed on its top, officials said. Both drivers were taken to the hospital, but are expected to be OK.

Two good Samaritans stopped to help the people involved in the crash.

James Lee said he went over to the pickup truck and climbed through the rear window to hold up the injured passenger who was unable to get out.

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When firefighters got there they took out the windshield and Lee helped get him out.

"Just trying to do my part in the world. They were having trouble keeping him awake. I was able to reach in and hold him up and keep him up and try to talk with him," said Lee.

Nurse Lori Terriquez said she also got out of her car to help the drivers.

“Anything I could do for anybody," Terriquez said.  "And with both of them stuck in their cars, there really wasn’t much else to do but keep them awake and comfort them.”

Highway 16 was closed for several hours while crews investigated the scene.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.