Bunnlevel, N.C. — Speed was a factor in a three-vehicle wreck in the 4500 block of N.C. Highway 210 North, south of Bunnlevel, early Monday that ripped a car in half and sent its driver to the hospital.

State troopers said that Ratcliffe Watson, 38, tried to pass a 1995 Dodge Caravan in a no-passing zone, near Temple Road, shortly before 6 a.m. Watson's 1994 Toyota Camry clipped the other car, then spun across the highway and collided with a southbound  2006 Honda Accord.

The Camry was torn in half by the impact; troopers said one half was in the roadway, and the other half ended up in trees beside the road.

Watson was trapped in the Camry and had to be extricated. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Troopers said his condition was stable, and he was alert late Monday morning.

A military service member in the southbound car was treated as a precaution, troopers said. A woman and a passenger in the second northbound vehicle were uninjured.

Troopers said they expect to charge Watson, of Manchester Road in Spring Lake, with improper passing, reckless driving and driving left of center.

Alcohol was not involved in the wreck, and all those involved were wearing seat belts, troopers said.

N.C. 210 was reduced to one lane and troopers directed traffic for several hours after the wreck.