26-Year-Old Killed In US 70 Crash Involving NCDOT Truck

PINE LEVEL, N.C. — A 26-year-old man was killed Thursday morning in a three-vehicle collision on US 70 near Pine Level, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:14 a.m. near Exit 337.

According to a preliminary investigation, a North Carolina Department of Transportation truck had stopped in the westbound lanes of US 70 with its emergency equipment activated while workers removed a deer carcass.

Traffic behind the NCDOT truck was slowing when a beige 2013 Nissan Versa was struck from behind by a blue 2026 Toyota RAV4. The impact pushed the Nissan into the rear of the NCDOT vehicle.

The driver of the Nissan, 26-year-old Lucas Charles Warner, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The drivers of the Toyota RAV4 and the NCDOT truck suffered minor injuries and were transported to UNC Health Johnston for treatment.

Following consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, the driver of the Toyota RAV4 was charged with failure to reduce speed and misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Authorities have not released the name of the charged driver.

Westbound US 70 was closed for several hours while troopers investigated the collision and crews cleared the scene. The roadway has since reopened.
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Editor’s Note: This story was updated on June 11, 2026 following the release of additional information from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, including the identity of the deceased and charges filed in connection with the crash.