BENSON – A wrong-way driver caused a head-on collision that closed a section of Interstate 40 in Johnston County overnight.
Around 11:18 p.m. Saturday, the Highway Patrol was notified of a wrong-way driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-40. Two minutes later, at 11:20 p.m., troopers were notified the wrong-way driver had struck another vehicle head-on near the 323 mile marker.
Based on evidence gathered at the scene and eyewitness accounts, troopers said a blue 2018 Toyota Camry operated by Tammy Ann Savage, age 40, of Montgomery, Alabama was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes.
Ms. Savage sideswiped a pickup operated by Canaan Hank McKee, age 32, of Cary, then spun out of control and collided head-on with a white 2006 Buick Lacrosse driven by Brandon Ellis Wardell, age 23, of Raleigh.
A passenger in the Buick, Keyona Davis, age 20, of Fayetteville, suffered critical injuries and was transported to Wake Med.
The Highway Patrol said Ms. Savage was transported to Wake Med. Troopers were unable to speak with her at the hospital to determine why she was driving the wrong-way. She will be charged with reckless driving and driving the wrong-way on a dual lane highway. Additional charges have not been ruled out.
Brandon Wardell, the driver of the Buick, underwent treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. McKee, the driver of the pickup, was not injured.
All occupants were wearing seat belts.
The collision caused traffic backups for several miles before the westbound lanes could be reopened early Sunday morning.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident, or has additional information that could help troopers with their investigation, is urged to contact the State Highway Patrol Raleigh Communications Center at 919-733-3861.
