The crash happened around 3 a.m. near exit 95 and U.S. Highway 70 Business in Smithfield, not far from the Carolina Premium Outlets.
Witnesses say a Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck was travelling in the northbound lanes when it crossed the median, turned upside down, and struck a Dodge minivan -- shearing the top off the van.
Two people inside the van, the driver and a rear passenger, died in the crash. They have been identified as 32-year-old Michael Brennan, of West Islip, N.Y., and 35-year-old Mark Klein, of Surprise, Ariz.
Troopers also said a woman and a child, who had to be airlifted to WakeMed Hospital, were ejected from the truck. Three others, including children, were taken to the hospital with injuries. Everyone inside the truck was from Kissimmiee, Fla.
A total of nine people were involved in the accident.
All southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for several hours as crews worked to clear debris from the roadway, which included suitcases and a car seat.
Investigators do not believe speed and alcohol were a factor. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
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