Drowsy Driver Crashes Into I-85 Bridge Column

A wreck involving a drowsy driver caused a backup on southbound I-85 in Vance County late Wednesday afternoon.

The Highway Patrol says Timothy Smith, 28, of Virginia, fell asleep behind the wheel of his 1999 Mazda and crashed into a bridge column around 4:30 p.m.

Smith was airlifted to University of North Carolina Hospitals where is is listed in critical condition.

A passenger, Beverly Rockman, 23, of Virginia, was transported to Maria Parham Hospital in Henderson where she was treated and released.

No other cars were involved. Charges are pending.