Raleigh police ID driver killed in fiery I-40 crash
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Raleigh police have identified a driver killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 40 early Thursday morning.
It happened about 2:40 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-40 near exit 289 at the Wade Avenue split.
DOT cameras showed first responders and firefighters battling intense flames after a vehicle went off the roadway and crashed down an embankment.
Authorities said Friday evening that the vehicle involved was a 2002 Toyota Camry. It remained unclear what caused the car to veer to the right across three lanes of traffic and run off the road.
A witness told police they believe the driver may have fallen asleep.
The victim was identified as Shalash Almutassee, 25, of Lexington, Ky.
Two eastbound lanes of I-40 were blocked in the area as crews worked to clear the scene. The lanes were reopened around 7 a.m.
