One Dead, Three Injured In Fiery Single-Vehicle Crash

NEWTON GROVE – One person is dead and three others injured following a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning outside of Newton Grove, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers were dispatched around 7:22 a.m. to the scene of the crash on NC Highway 50 near the intersection of William R. King Road in Sampson County. Investigators say a Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by 23-year-old Danny Ronaldo Bravo Rodriguez of Seven Springs, ran off the right side of the road, reentered the roadway, and then veered off again before striking a ditch and overturning.

The vehicle caught fire shortly after the crash and was severely burned, making it impossible for authorities to immediately identify the license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN).

Four people were inside the car at the time of the crash. One passenger, 25-year-old Darmaris Velasquez, also of Seven Springs, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Rodriguez and the two other passengers, 19-year-old Melquin Velasques Bravo and 22-year-old Wilder Bravo Rodriguez both of Seven Springs, were transported to WakeMed in Raleigh for treatment.

Rodriguez has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to maintain lane control. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash. Due to the extent of the fire damage, it is unclear whether any of the occupants were wearing seat belts.

Authorities say the vehicle will undergo further inspection this week as the investigation continues.