Driver killed after tree falls on SUV in Gaston County

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — One person was killed, and another was hurt Wednesday afternoon after a tree fell on an SUV south of Belmont, Gaston County emergency services said.

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Severe storms that packed 70 mph winds whipped through the region, which caused widespread damage.

At about 4:30 p.m., a large tree fell on a 2015 Mazda CX-5, which was traveling south on South New Hope Road near Dixon Road.

The driver, Jacqueline Morrison-Donald, of York, died at the scene, troopers said. The passenger had non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Caromont Regional Medical Center.

Witness Greg Beck was wrapping up a day’s work in his backyard as the storm rolled in.

“We heard something pop and we thought it was a power line at first,” Beck said. “Walked outside, and we were like what happened, then we saw the tree down.”

Beck said he and others attempted to help.

“My son asked, ‘Is everybody OK in there?’ And we heard the horn start honking,” Beck said.

However, a snapped power line was lying across the vehicle.

“I heard somebody in there screaming wanting help and I just couldn’t get over there to them,” he said. “I wanted to, but I just couldn’t.”

The collision is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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