The North Carolina Highway Patrol said speed was a factor in an accident that killed three Stanly County residents Thursday morning on N.C. Highway 740.

First Sgt. J.M. Jackson said a 2001 Cadillac driven by William Wright, 52, of Badin was south bound on N.C. 740 between Badin and New London near Mountain Creek Road around 2:30 a.m.

Wright’s vehicle traveled across the centerline and onto the northbound shoulder and began to barrel roll, Jackson said.

The vehicle struck a railroad track and a railroad crossing post. Wright and his two passengers, Joel Robinson, 38, and Chandra Carr, 27, both of Albemarle, were thrown from the vehicle, as no one was wearing a seatbelt, Jackson said.

Highway Patrol is still investigating as to how fast the car was speeding and to whether alcohol was involved.