Speed Was A Contributing Factor
The State Highway Patrol has released the names of two people who were killed in a fiery crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 42 West in Johnston County. The 2:30pm accident occurred about ½ mile east of the Interstate 40 interchange.
Troopers said Sincere Corbett, 20, of Clayton was traveling eastbound in a silver Chevy Malibu attempting to pass a vehicle in a no passing zone. After reentering the eastbound travel lane Corbett lost control, crossed the centerline, and collided with a westbound Chevrolet pickup.
After the impact, the engine compartment of the Malibu burst into flames. An off-duty firefighter arrived on the scene seconds later and used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
Corbett and the front seat passenger, Jamal Hicks Jr., 19, of Clayton died at the scene.
Two back seat passengers were rushed to Wake Medical Center. As of Thursday afternoon they were both listed in critical condition. Their names were not released.
The driver of the pickup, William Coats, 75, of Garner sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was treated at Wake Medical Center.
Trooper B.J. Stewart estimated Corbett was traveling between 90 and 95 miles per hour moments before the crash and 70 miles per hour at the time of impact with the pickup.
Highway 42 was closed for more than two hours Wednesday afternoon while the crash was investigated.
