Wendell woman dies after car crashes and catches fire on I-40 eastbound

One person is dead after a fiery car crash Saturday morning on Interstate 40.

It happened at 10:30 a.m. near the mile marker 359 in Sampson County.

Investigators said a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox going eastbound tried to merge into the left lane and struck the right front quarter panel of a 2020 Mazda SUV.

After the collision, the driver of the Equinox lost control and veered into the median, striking a median cable and a bridge piling. The vehicle then burst into flames.

The Highway Patrol said the driver died at the scene. She was identified as Micheala Venters Capps, 33, of Wendell.

The driver of the Mazda, a 36-year-old Wilmington woman, was not injured.

The Highway Patrol said reckless driving and speed were believed to be factors. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.

Both eastbound lanes and one westbound lane were closed temporarily. All traffic was diverted at Exit 355 to Highway 403.