January 10, 2005

Aaron Carter Drives Over Mattress, Escapes SUV Moments Before Flames Erupt

By Alyssa Rashbaum (MTV.com)

Aaron Carter emerged unscathed from an accident late Wednesday night when he hit a mattress with his SUV, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.

The singer, 17, was driving his 2004 Cadillac Escalade on Florida's Turnpike, north toward Orlando, at around 12:30 am when a mattress fell from the cargo bed of a delivery truck ahead of him, according to his spokesperson.

Carter drove over the mattress, which became lodged under the SUV and caught fire. He then pulled over and he and a passenger escaped to the side of the road where they watched as the vehicle exploded moments later.

Carter, who was heading to Orlando to shoot the cover photo for his upcoming album, Saturday Night, said in a statement, "Everything happened in such a whirlwind. It was like the mattress flew out of nowhere. You think you're invincible when you're behind the steering wheel of an SUV but you're not. I'm OK but you can imagine I'm still in shock."

Both Carter and his passenger were treated at the scene of the accident for minor bumps and bruises. Carter rejected hospital care, choosing instead to spend the night at a friend's house recuperating.