Driver dies in fiery crash during snow shower

A driver was burned beyond recognition early Monday morning when the driver’s car slid off U.S. 264 during a snow shower and burst into flames after hitting a tree.

N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Eddie Thomas said the car was registered to a Wake County resident. He said officials think they know who the driver was, but they were not releasing the name until they are certain.

The accident occurred at 2:30 a.m. in the westbound lane of U.S. 264 near Middlesex.

Thomas said the driver was traveling about 55 mph – 15 mph under the speed limit. The driver drifted off the highway, slid down a snow-laden embankment and hit a tree, Thomas said.

Thomas said there was no indication that the driver lost control of the vehicle before veering off the highway, and it’s uncertain whether the driver might have fallen asleep or had a medical condition.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh reported no more than 1 inch of snow in the Rocky Mount area on Monday night and 2 to 3 inches of snow over the last couple of days.

Overnight snow showers on Monday were a factor in more than 60 motorists spinning into ditches, medians and guardrails throughout the Twin Counties.

The National Weather Service dropped its winter weather advisory Tuesday morning after conditions warmed enough to reduce the threat of black ice on roads.