A one-vehicle wreck near Appling sent three teenagers to the hospital this afternoon, with one of them in critical condition.

Tyler Epps, 16, of Lincolnton, Ga., was airlifted to the Medical College of Georgia hospital and is in critical condition, said Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Warner. Mr. Epps was riding in the back seat of the vehicle.

The wreck occurred at about 2 p.m. on Ray Owens Road near North Columbia Elementary School.

Ashley Teeters, 16, of Martinez, was driving northbound on Ray Owens when she lost control of her Mercury Sable going around a curve, Deputy Warner said. The vehicle overturned several times and landed in a ditch.

Speed appears to have been a factor, but the weather does not, Deputy Warner said.

Another passenger, Ian McGahee, 15, of Lincolnton, Ga., was ejected from the vehicle, but his injuries were not life-threatening, Deputy Warner said. Both Ms. Teeters and Mr. McGahee were transported to MCG with minor injuries, he said.

Deputy Warner said that none of the teens were wearing seatbelts.

Charges are pending against the driver, he said.