Witnesses say the vehicle was traveling at a high speed near Exit 102 to Micro when the accident happened.
"All I saw was a van in the air. It flipped and it caught on fire," said witness Victoria Brown.
All she could do was watch as authorities tried to rescue the five people inside. "They're trying to fight for their lives, trying to get out of a car that's on fire, and they didn't make it," she said.
Walter Williams, 72 of Long Beach, NY died at the scene. Sixty-six year-old Daisy Mitchell of Long Beach, NY was taken to Duke Medical Center by helicopter where she later died. Three others suffered minor injuries and were taken to Johnston Memorial Hospital.
"It appears from the witnesses I've talked to there was speed involved, and possibly the driver fell asleep," said Highway Patrol Trooper Warren Shepherd.
Brown said the accident is a tragic reminder to stay alert and awake on the roads this weekend. "It just teaches you, you have to do the speed limit. And be careful on these roads because it's dangerous," Brown said.
Her final piece of advice: "If you're tired, pull over."
• Credits
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