BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina state troopers said they are investigating a fatal crash in Burke County after a man riding a moped struck an SUV, then was run over by another vehicle.
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on the Exit 118 ramp from westbound Interstate 40 to Old Highway 10, east of Morganton.
Troopers told Channel 9's Dave Faherty the moped driver ran a red light on Old Highway 10 and hit an 2006 Chevy Equinox.
While bystanders were helping him, a 2010 Toyota 4Runner came through the intersection and hit him, according to authorities.
The Toyota had the green light, authorities said.
The bystanders jumped out of the way.
"I had enough time to glance over my shoulder to see her coming through, so I dove out of the way. I wish I could have had enough time to pull the man out of the way, but it just wasn't enough time," witness Jamie Freeman said.
The moped driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. He later died.
Officials shut down the ramp at exit 118 for about two hours as crews worked to investigate.
Investigators said it was still dark at the time of the accident, and there was some fog and no lights in the roadway.
"You want to stop and be aware of the drivers around you and what's going on," said Trooper JD Ellis, with the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Freeman said he put his hazard lights on and someone was trying to stop traffic prior to the deadly wreck involving the second SUV.
"If they would have just paid attention and looked around. There's other cars stopped, there's people standing out of their vehicles, then maybe this wouldn't have happened," Freeman said.
Troopers have identified the driver of the moped but have not been able to get in touch with family members.
No one in the SUVs was injured.
Troopers said once the investigation is complete, they will forward their findings to the district attorney and let him decide on charges.
Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.
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