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by Gail Savoy

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Speak Up

Speed has been determined to be a factor in a single vehicle crash that left one man dead.

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Gail Savoy photo

Paramedics check on the driver of this overturned car Wednesday night in Lower Newcastle. The 73-year-old man was killed instantly when his car flipped several times before coming to rest on the roof.

The crash occured around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday on Route 11 in Lower Newcastle.

District 8 RCMP say the vehicle left the road and overturned several times. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

The name of the victim was not released. Relatives in another province had to be notified. District 8 RCMP say the 73-year-old man was from Miramichi.

Witnesses at the accident scene say the vehicle had passed a number of vehicles minutes earlier and appeared to have lost control while navigating a turn.

Many people rushed to provide assistance to the lone occupant of the mangled wreck. Thinking the man may have suffered serious injuries, men lifted the car and pulled the man free. Not detecting a pulse, a blanket provided by a witness was used to cover the man.

Paramedics arrived on the scene minutes later but did not detect any vital signs. Miramichi Fire Department were next on the scene and took over traffic control from a nearby resident. With District 8 RCMP's arrival, witnesses were questioned, as officials waited for the coroner to arrive.

Sgt. Carl Haché said the investigation into the accident continues. Police are waiting for a report from a traffic analyst.