CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (WHKY) – Three people were hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash early Labor Day morning (September 7) on Old Shelby Road.

A news release from the Cooksville Volunteer Fire Department says a vehicle left the roadway, traveled along a drainage ditch, overturned and came to rest on its side in a cornfield. Responding crews were told people might be trapped inside.

Three patients were found at the scene and transported for emergency treatment. Two were flown by medical helicopters. A fourth person was initially believed to be missing, prompting multiple searches using thermal imaging equipment, including a fire department drone. That person was later confirmed safe at home by law enforcement.

Multiple agencies assisted, including Long View, George Hildebran and Maiden rescue crews, Catawba County EMS and Sheriff’s deputies, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol, which is investigating the crash. No information on the patients’ conditions was available.