HARRELLSVILLE – Speed is to blame for a two-vehicle accident here Sunday that left one Hertford County teenager in critical condition.

Dustin Michael Clow, 17, of Cofield was seriously injured in the accident, one reported at 7:33 p.m. on NC 561 west of Harrellsville near the Thomas Bridge Road (RP 1427).

North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper K.R. Velazquez, who investigated the accident, said Clow was at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville where he was listed in critical condition.

Trooper Velazquez’s report showed that Clow was operating a 1993 Chevrolet Camaro east on NC 561. Also traveling east was a 2001 GMC truck operated by Lofton Hayes Holloman, 16, of Harrellsville.

Velazquez said Clow’s vehicle was attempting to pass Holloman’s truck when the Camaro traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and then impacted several trees. Clow, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

Following the impact with the ditch, a tire came off the Camaro and struck the truck in the windshield.

Holloman, who was not injured, reportedly left the accident scene and went to his residence.

Trooper Velazquez’s preliminary report showed that speed was a contributing factor in the accident. She said both vehicles were operating in excess of 90 mph prior to the wreck.

Charges are pending.