Local

Driver killed after car runs off road, catches fire near Monroe Expressway

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Troopers said a driver died after their car ran off the road and caught fire Sunday morning in Union County.

The accident happened just before 6 a.m. on US 74 near the start of the Monroe Expressway.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol told Channel 9 the car caught fire after the driver ran off the road and hit several objects.

Officials said the crash was so intense the airbag deployed.

The victim’s name has not yet been released.

Three outbound lanes of the highway were closed while troopers investigated the crash.

This is an ongoing investigation. check back with wsoctv.com for updates.