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The accident happened around 9:55 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-40 between Davis Drive and Miami Blvd.
Authorities said investigators believe a vehicle was stopped in one of the four lanes because of traffic when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. The crash caused a chain reaction of several other vehicles being rear-ended. As a result, one of the drivers involved died.
On Monday afternoon, the Highway Patrol said the person killed in the wreck was Dempsey Smith, 63, of Wilson. Smith was driving a Chevrolet SUV, troopers said.
Other drivers involved in the crash were taken to Duke and UNC hospitals for treatment.
Crash and fire on I-40
The impact then caused three of the vehicles to burst into flames. Authorities said they believed the person who was killed was removed from their vehicle by a by-stander before it became engulfed.
Cars burn after I-40 crash
All westbound lanes were closed as investigators continue their investigation. They have since reopened.
The Highway Patrol said it's unclear yet what charges will be filed.
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