5 hurt, 4 critically, after 2 cars collide in Matthews, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five people were taken to the hospital following a serious crash late Monday night in Matthews.

[IMAGES: Several injured in serious crash near Matthews]

The wreck happened just before 11 p.m. on East Independence Boulevard near Sardis Road North.

Emergency officials told Channel 9 two cars were involved in the crash and that four of the five people hurt were thrown from the vehicles.

They were taken to the hospital where they were in critical condition.

Officials said a white car hit a black car, sending it airborne.

Police were investigating whether the white car was involved in a separate hit-and-run on Sam Newell Road earlier.

Eyewitness News crews could see both cars were heavily damaged.

Police have not yet said what caused the crash or whether anyone will be charged.

All lanes of Independence Boulevard were reopened before 4 a.m.

Check back to wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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