SAMPSON COUNTY – A 33 year-old woman was killed in a two vehicle accident on Interstate 40 in Sampson County. The collision happened at 10:24am Saturday near the 359 mile marker.
The State Highway Patrol said a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Micheala Venters Capps of Wendell, was traveling eastbound in the right travel lane.
A 2020 Mazda SUV, driven by Te Era Jordan, 36, of Wilmington, NC was traveling eastbound in the left travel lane of I-40.
Troopers said Capps attempted to merge left into the left lane and struck the right front corner of the Mazda.
After the impact, Capps lost control of her Chevrolet which traveled into the median, hitting a median cable and bridge piling. After striking the bridge piling, the car caught fire. Capps died at the scene.
Jordan stopped the Mazda on the shoulder of the interstate.
According to the Highway Patrol, reckless driving and speed are believed to be a factor. Both drivers were wearing seat belts. Impairment is not suspected.
