Woman Charged With DWI In Charlotte Crash That Critically Injured Sister

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Greenville, South Carolina resident Barbara Blaine was driving a 1999 Ford Explorer that overturned, ejecting her sister, 21-year-old Sarah Blaine, who was not wearing a seat belt. Barbara Blaine told police she was changing lanes and saw a vehicle in her blind spot, causing her to jerk the vehicle back and it began to roll.

 North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper said Barbara Blaine was driving a 1999 Ford Explorer north on Interstate 85 when the vehicle rolled, ejecting Sarah, who was not wearing a seat belt. Barbara Blaine told police she was changing lanes when she saw a vehicle in her blind spot, jerked the vehicle back and started to roll.

Police said a witness at the scene pulled Barbara Blaine, who was wearing her seat belt, from the vehicle. She received transport to Carolinas Medical Center and was released following treatment. Sarah remained at CMC in critical condition as of March 16, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Barbara Blaine was charged with DWI and careless and reckless driving.

Police said Sarah Blaine had been visiting her sister for spring break. They were on their way to the airport from Greenville to see Sarah off when the accident occurred.