Deadly three-vehicle accident shuts down traffic on Freedom Drive

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A three-vehicle accident left one person dead and two others injured on Freedom Drive in west Charlotte Thursday morning.

The accident occurred at the Lundy Lane intersection where officials closed off the road to traffic while the scene was cleared.

Around 8:49 a.m., officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene of the crash.

Upon arrival, officers found a 2004 Chevrolet Venture and 2000 Ford Taurus in one lane of Freedom Drive. There was also a 2006 Ford Econoline van with a Big Tex in the another lane.

One person, identified as Ledane Leigh Poplin, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigations Unit and CSS responded to conduct the investigation.

Witnesses on scene stated the Chevrolet Venture van was driving at high rate of speed crossing into opposite lanes multiple times.

Officials say the Chevrolet Venture van crossed the double yellow lines just before Lundy Lane and struck the Ford Econoline van head on.

The Ford Taurus was unable to avoid the crash and crashed into the Chevrolet Venture after initial impact.

Poplin, the driver of the Chevrolet Venture, was pronounced dead on scene by Medic

The driver of the Ford Econoline was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the Ford Taurus were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Officials say speed and impairment are suspected at this time for Poplin. Officials say Poplin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

This crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or officers at 704-432-6802.