CHARLOTTE — A 23-year-old woman died, and two others were injured Thursday night after a driver ran a stop sign and fled a two-vehicle crash in Plaza Midwood, police said. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives are searching for the driver of a Honda Odyssey who fled the scene on foot following the collision.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Thursday in the 1400 block of The Plaza. Officers from the Eastway Division arrived to find the Honda and a Kia Soul in the intersection at Hamorton Place.
CMPD investigators believe speed was a factor for the Honda driver.
Preliminary findings indicate the Honda Odyssey ran a stop sign at the intersection before striking the Kia Soul.
The driver of the Honda fled the scene on foot immediately after the collision and has not yet been identified.
Sophie Klippel, 23, was a passenger in the Kia and died at the scene.
Police determined she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle.
Her next of kin has been notified of her death.
The driver of the Kia, 21-year-old Lena Klippel and a second passenger, 62-year-old Kelly Klippel, were transported to a local hospital. Both women sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police stated that impairment is not suspected for Klippel.
The Major Crash Investigation Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene to assist.
Members of the CMPD DWI Task Force joined the investigation to help process the scene on Thursday night.
Detectives are continuing to search for the driver of the Honda Odyssey. No suspect description has been released at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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