FRANKLIN—A Franklin man was killed Wednesday, after the Dodge Ram pickup he was driving ran off the road, struck a tree and caught fire.

Kent George Zernicke, 49, of Forest Pine Road died as a result of the wreck that occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Story’s Station Road in Courtland, said Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya.

Zernicke was traveling north about a quarter-mile from Country Club Road. He was the truck’s only occupant.

The Courtland Volunteer Fire Department, Courtland Rescue, the Southampton Sheriff’s Office, the Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department and Franklin Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

Virginia State Police Sgt. Greg Jackson said there is no indication that alcohol was involved. Anaya said Zernicke was wearing a seat belt.

The wreck remains under investigation.