According to several reports coming out of Charlotte, N.C., Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was injured in a serious car accident that took place a short time ago. The Charlotte Observer is reporting that two cars were involved in the accident, which resulted in one of the vehicles—believed to be Newton's vehicle—overturning on a bridge on Interstate 277 in Charlotte.
There aren't many details about the accident available just yet. But reports are indicating that Newton needed to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance after the accident took place.
Newton was reportedly able to communicate with paramedics after the accident, though. And he was also captured smiling in this photo before he was taken away from the scene.
There's also video of him being tended to by paramedics, captured by the Charlotte Observer:
Stay tuned. We'll be sure to provide you with additional info concerning Newton in the coming hours.
UPDATE:
Charlotte Observer reporter Jonathan Jones has been at the scene of the accident for the last 30 minutes and has obtained a bunch of photos of Newton's vehicle as well as some additional details concerning the crash. Scroll down to see what he's been able to find out:
UPDATE 2:
The Panthers sent out this tweet a few minutes ago:
UPDATE 3:
It sounds like Newton wasn't injured badly in the accident after all and was only taken to the hospital as a precaution:
UPDATE 4:
The Panthers have confirmed that Newton is in fair condition. However, he is going to undergo a series of tests in the hospital and will remain there until tomorrow:
UPDATE 5:
It appears that Newton suffered fractures in his back as a result of the crash. It is unclear how the injury will effect Newton's playing status. Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo dealt with a similar injury in November; he missed one game as a result of the fractures.
Panthers says further tests on Cam Newton reveal he has 2 transverse process fractures in his lower back and no further internal injuries.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 9, 2014[via Charlotte Observer]
