Zebulon, N.C. — A man was killed and five people were injured early Sunday in a three-car crash on U.S. Highway 64 near the Wake-Franklin county line, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Three men were taken to a local hospital and two women were treated for their injuries at the scene. 

Troopers said one man's injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

Shortly before 3:30 a.m., troopers said two women in a Honda Accord ran out of gas and pulled over onto the right side of the highway's westbound lanes near the N.C. Highway 39 intersection outside of Zebulon. Part of the Accord was jutting into traffic, however, and a man driving a Nissan Altima struck the Accord from behind.

The impact pushed the Accord further off the right side of the road, and the Altima spun sideways until it crossed both westbound lanes of the highway.

Another Nissan Altima, not seeing the crash, struck the first Altima and ran into the median on the left, hitting a cable barrier before coming to rest.

The first Altima split in half and burst into flames, troopers said. Its driver, whose name was not released, was killed.

Three men inside the second Altima were seriously injured.

Troopers said the Accord did have its hazard lights on when authorities arrived on the scene, but not its headlights. They said they don't believe either car had its headlights on when the third vehicle came upon the crash. 

The names and conditions of those involved were not released.

Troopers said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash and that charges are pending.