Local

Motorcyclist airlifted after head-on wreck

BOONE, N.C. — A Boone man was airlifted to Johnson City (Tenn.) Medical Center on Thursday afternoon after crossing the center line and hitting a car head-on.

The accident happened at about 2:15 p.m. on U.S. 321 just south of Bethel Road, said Trooper David Searcy of the N.C. Highway Patrol.

The motorcyclist crossed the line into the path of a Ford passenger car that was traveling at about 50 mph, Searcy said.

The collision threw the rider from his bike, but Searcy said he did not know how serious his injuries were. Wings Air Rescue airlifted the victim from a location nearby. Searcy said he would not release the motorcycle rider's name until certain his family had been contacted.

The Ford driver, 21-year-old Christian Haithcock of Elk Park, suffered wrist and neck pain but refused transport to the hospital, Searcy said.

Charges are pending in the wreck.