3 killed, 2 hurt in fiery North Carolina wreck

[November 11, 2013]  BUIES CREEK, N.C. (AP) -- Troopers say three people have died in a crash in Harnett County after the driver of a pickup truck sped away from a license checkpoint.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said the checkpoint was set up on U.S. Highway 421 near Campbell University around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Troopers say 23-year-old Shane Garner of Coats was driving the truck and didn't stop for the checkpoint. Authorities say he turned off U.S. 421, lost control and hit a tree. The truck burst into flames.

Authorities say Garner, 20-year-old Austin Ferrell of Buies Creek and 16-year-old Casey Edens of Lillington were killed in the wreck. Two 17-year-old women from Fuquay Varina survived, but are in critical condition. All five were in the cab of the truck.

Troopers think Garner had been drinking alcohol. They continue to investigate the crash.

[Associated Press]

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