The State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in the death of one officer and injured several other people. Click the video player above to watch other morning headlines from WXII 12 NewsAccording to a news release, Highway Patrol responded to a collision with injuries on I-540 east near U.S. 64 in Knightdale just before 3 a.m.After an initial investigation, officers concluded that two marked Knightdale police vehicles (A 2020 Ford Explorer and 2018 Ford Explorer) had been investigating a previous collision and were stationary in the far right lane of I-540 east with their emergency lights activated.Officials said that a black 2011 Mercedes Benz S550 operated by 45-year-old Dedric Romero Privette, was traveling east on I-540 and approached the crash scene. Privette failed to reduce speed and move over for the stopped emergency vehicles and collided with the rear of the 2018 Ford Explorer. The 2018 Explorer was subsequently pushed into the rear of the 2020 Explorer as a result of the impact. After impact, all three vehicles remained disabled in the roadway spanning across all three available travel lanes. Officials said that Privette, along with the following people were taken to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh following the incident:Officer Ryan Andrew Hayworth, 23 years of age of Zebulon, NCOfficer Cody A. Hagler 25 years of age of Knightdale, NCMichael Routh Melugin, Jr., 45 years of age of Cary, NCOfficer Hayworth was pronounced deceased at approximately 3:10 a.m. Officer Hagler, Melugin, Jr. and Privette sustained injuries and are still at Wake Medical Center.Officers said that alcohol impairment is believed to be a factor with regards to Mr. Privette. All eastbound lanes of I-540 remain closed as the investigation at the scene continues. Eastbound traffic is being detoured onto Buffalo Road with the assistance of the Raleigh Police Department.The investigation is ongoing.