DURHAM, N.C. — Durham police are investigating a tragic chain of events that began with a hit-and-run and ended in a deadly crash Tuesday afternoon in North Durham. Two people were killed and two others were critically injured after a speeding SUV crashed into a tree just minutes after fleeing the scene of an earlier collision.

According to a Durham Police Department news release, the incident began around 5 p.m. on Hebron Road. Police said a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by 22-year-old Jordon Jones of Durham struck another vehicle. After the collision, Jones allegedly left the scene without stopping. Authorities later confirmed that no one was injured in the initial hit-and-run crash.

Minutes later, police said the Ford Explorer was traveling through the 4700 block of Denfield Street. Investigators said Jones was speeding when he crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, ran off the left side of the roadway, and crashed into a tree. The violent impact caused extensive damage to the SUV and immediately drew emergency crews to the scene.

Jones was pronounced dead as a result of the crash, police said. A back-seat passenger, identified as 20-year-old Kymarion Williams of Durham, also died from injuries sustained in the collision. Authorities said both deaths were caused by the force of the high-speed crash.

Two other passengers inside the Explorer survived but were seriously injured. Police said a 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Their current conditions have not been released, and investigators have not said whether seat belts were being used at the time of the crash.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the hit-and-run and the fatal crash. Officers are reviewing evidence to determine the exact speed of the vehicle and whether other factors played a role. Authorities are also stressing the dangers of fleeing the scene of a crash, warning that reckless driving decisions can have deadly consequences.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Durham Police Investigator A. Roberts at 919-560-4935, extension 29410. Police say tips from the public could help provide important details as they work to fully understand what happened and bring closure to those affected by the tragedy.