MAXTON, N.C. — Three people died and another man was seriously injured in a wreck on U.S. 74 on Thursday, authorities said.

Nikita Lambert, 17, of Maxton, was driving east about four miles east of Maxton when her Chevrolet Camaro crossed the center of the two-lane highway, state Highway Patrol trooper J.F. Hinson said.

The car hit a sport utility vehicle heading west.

The impact killed the SUV's driver, Shelby Kinlaw, 50, of Lumberton, and critically injured her husband, Jerry Kinlaw. The couple's son, Roger Wayne Kinlaw, was killed. Thursday was his 27th birthday.

Hinson said there was no indication that either vehicle was speeding. It was unclear Thursday what caused the Camaro to cross into the SUV's path.

Rescue workers had to free the Kinlaws from the SUV, which had overturned and landed on its side. Traffic on U.S. 74 was diverted for about two hours