COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- One man is dead and another is airlifted after a truck hit a tree in Columbus County early Monday morning.
It happened just after 2 a.m. when troopers say a truck heading northbound on NC 242 hit a ditch embankment, then struck a tree near Princess Ann Road.
Highway Patrol said the passenger in the truck, a 21-year-old male, died at the time of the crash.
The driver, a 24-year-old male was partially ejected from the vehicle and was airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. They did not know his condition.
Investigators said they smelled alcohol at the scene and suspect it and speed led to the crash.