According to the Cary Police Department, the head-on crash happened just before 1 p.m. on NC 55 northbound between Mahal Avenue and the entrance ramp to 540.
Investigators said an SUV traveling south on the highway drifted into oncoming lanes and slammed head-on into another SUV. Both SUVs caught fire.
The driver of the SUV that crossed onto the wrong side of the road died at the scene. The driver was identified as Robert McKinnon, 67, of Cary.
The second driver was taken to the hospital with what were described as life-threatening injuries. He was identified as Xiucheng Feng, 55, of Apex.
No further information was released.
The crash remains under investigation.