Man dies after crashing into tree on I-40 in Johnston County: NCSHP

CLAYTON, N.C. (WNCN) — A man is dead after crashing into a tree in Johnston County Monday afternoon, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

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According to the NCSHP, a 2018 Volvo S90 car was traveling west on I-40 when it went off the road to the right, went up an embankment, and struck a tree head-on.

The driver, 61-year-old Michael Joseph Burns of Summerfield, was taken to WakeMed in Raleigh with critical, life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after he arrived, according to the NCSHP.

Troopers said speed and alcohol were not contributing factors to the crash. They believe the crash may have been caused by a medical emergency.

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A witness driving directly beside Burns said Burns’ vehicle was in the far left lane at approximately 75 m.p.h. when it drifted across five lanes before going off the road and hitting the tree, according to the NCSHP.

According to the NCSHP, there were no visible signs of Burns using his vehicle’s brakes.

Troopers said Burns was wearing a seatbelt and was the only occupant of the vehicle.

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The crash is under investigation by the NCSHP.