Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Benson-Area Crash

BENSON, N.C. – An 83-year-old man died after his vehicle ran off Benson Hardee Road, struck a fence and ruptured a gas line, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The single vehicle accident was reported around 7:32 p.m. Tuesday.

Joseph Larry Norris, 83, was driving a Chevrolet Equinox westbound when the vehicle crossed the centerline and ran off the left side of the road.

The Equinox struck a ditch and two large fence posts before continuing along the fence line and rupturing a gas line. The rear of the vehicle then caught fire before the SUV came to rest on the left shoulder.

Firefighters extricated Norris from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers are looking into the possibility Norris suffered a medical condition before the crash. Speed and alcohol were not contributing factors, troopers said.

Benson Hardee Road was closed for approximately two and a half hours while troopers investigated the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing.