Tractor-trailer driver dies in fiery wreck north of Hillsborough; driver charged

According to North Carolina State Highway Patrol officials, the wreck happened at about 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of N.C. 86 and Sawmill Road.

He looked outside to see a wrecked car on his front lawn and an upended tanker about 100 yards away.

"I started walking toward the truck, and then I saw that it was a propane tank and I didn't get any closer," Davis said.

It took most the day to clear the scene because the truck was carrying 9,600 gallons of liquid propane. Crews were able to contain a small leak in the tanker and limit the damage. They evacuated homes in the area as a precaution as the tank was delicately turned right side up.

Troopers said Taurus Hairston, 34, the driver of the sedan, ran a stop sign at the intersection before being hit by the tractor-trailer.

The Chevrolet struck a tree on the side of the road.

The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. The person's name has not yet been released, but officials said the truck was from Kenan Transportation, based in Apex. The truck was traveling from Apex to Virginia.

Hairston, 34, was taken to Duke University Hospital with serious injuries. He was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, driving with a revoked license and a stop sign violation.