UPDATED: 1:44pm April 30, 2025 – All lanes of Interstate 40 have reopened.
April 29, 2025
SAMPSON COUNTY – A fiery crash closed a section of Interstate 40 in Sampson County early Tuesday morning.
According to the State Highway Patrol, a car was traveling slow, or had stopped, in the eastbound travel lane near Exit 355. A tractor trailer loaded with fuel struck the passenger car from behind. After the impact the tractor trailer overturned and came to rest partially in the eastbound lane.
Two additional tractor trailers traveling east also struck the tractor trailer but only minor damaged occurred. A box truck swerved to the left to avoid colliding with the overturned tractor trailer, struck the median cables, and came to rest in the median.
A pickup truck traveling east collided with the overturned tractor trailer causing the tractor to catch fire.
Four people were injured, one seriously.
The NCDOT has closed eastbound lane of I-40 from Exit 348 to Exit 355. Officials estimate the eastbound lanes of I-40 will not reopen until 12:00 Noon Wednesday (April 30) due to crews needing time to repair the damaged roadway.
The NCDOT has a detour set up around the accident site.
Prayers for all involved.