Semi Hauling Garbage Overturns On Interstate 40

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A tractor-trailer loaded with garbage overturned Thursday afternoon on Interstate 40 in Johnston County, blocking traffic for several hours.

The crash occurred shortly after 1 p.m. near the 316 mile marker at the Sanders Road bridge. Authorities said a front tire on the truck blew out, causing the driver to lose control and veer into the median. As the semi overturned, it sideswiped two concrete bridge support beams and destroyed a section of steel median guardrail that had been installed just one day earlier.

The driver sustained minor injuries.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation responded to assist with cleanup. Both eastbound lanes were blocked for several hours while crews removed the garbage and uprighted the truck. Traffic was diverted onto the shoulder, but long delays were reported.

The concrete bridge support beams did not sustain any structural damage.