WAGRAM — A 22-year-old woman has been airlifted to Chapel Hill and a pet has died following a wreck on US 501 North that was a result of distracted driving.

The single-vehicle accident occurred near the water tower at the Deer Croft subdivision when the car left the road hitting several trees and catching fire, according to EMS Director Roylin Hammond.

The driver, Jenna Marie Elliot, 22, of Cary, was headed north toward Southern Pines and talking on her cell phone when she attempted to pass a car, according to Trooper Shane Baldwin.

“She attempted to pass a vehicle and there was an oncoming car in the opposite direction, so she hurried up to get in front of the other vehicle and unfortunately she went straight off the road,” Baldwin said.

She was flown to the burn center at UNC Chapel Hill. She also appeared to have several broken bones in her lower extremities, according Baldwin. A dog in the vehicle did not survive.

The wreck occurred at 3:30 p.m. and had traffic in both directions tied up for miles until 5:20 p.m., according to one driver.

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By Beth Lawrence

Staff reporter

Reach Beth Lawrence 910-506-3169