Utility worker fatally struck in southwest Charlotte, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A utility worker was fatally struck in southwest Charlotte Saturday morning, police said.

The crash happened just after 6 a.m. on Granite Street near Continental Boulevard.

Officers said a utility worker, 59-year-old Thomas Porter Jr., was marking underground utilities in the left lane, with his back facing traffic, when a car struck him from behind. He was wearing a yellow reflective shirt, but his company vehicle with flashing warning lights was not parked in the road but parked in a nearby driveway.

Authorities said the car immediately stopped and called 911. When officials got to the scene, they pronounced Porter dead.

Police do not believe the driver was speeding or impaired at the time of the crash.

No other details have been released at this point.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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