By Crash News Writer 
New Hanover County, NC (July 17, 2025) – A woman from New York died early Tuesday morning after her SUV veered off an Interstate 40 exit ramp, struck trees, and caught fire in a single-vehicle crash near Wilmington.
According to reports, North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene around 5:03 a.m. on July 15. The crash occurred near the eastbound I-40 off-ramp to Gordon Road.
Troopers say 38-year-old Lana Hatoum of Westhampton, New York, was driving a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on the interstate when she attempted to exit. For reasons still under investigation, the SUV ran off the left side of the ramp, collided with several trees, overturned, and ignited.
Hatoum, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews responded promptly but were unable to render aid due to the intensity of the fire. No other vehicles were involved.
The crash remains under active investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.