A fatal collision on Interstate 95 in Harnett County yesterday afternoon resulted in one death and left another person injured. The incident, as reported by The Daily Record, involved a Jeep Gladiator and an Acura sedan on the northbound side of the highway between exits 70 and 71, occurring at approximately 4:29 p.m. FSgt. G.P. Bowman of the Troop B District 8 office provided the details of the crash.
The consequences of the collision had Interstate 95's lanes completely shut down for a time. As per WRAL, officials have yet to release the identity of the deceased or elaborate on any further injuries sustained during the incident. The crash occurred near Long Branch Road, but the initial cause still remains unclear.
Adding to the logistical difficulties, the North Carolina Department of Transportation had to establish a detour due to the highway's closure. Traffic reportedly accumulated into Cumberland County as late as 7 p.m., although all northbound lanes were initially expected to be open by 7:23 p.m. Despite this setback, the NCDOT managed to reopen I-95 by 7:35 p.m., though drivers still faced residual delays, as noted by CBS 17. The crash had the interstate closed for over three hours.
Investigation duties have been undertaken by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, who confirmed the fatality but did not provide additional information. There’s no word yet regarding the specifics of how the incident transpired or the condition of the surviving individual involved in the accident. Being that traffic was still backed up, the NCDOT encouraged drivers to seek alternative routes where possible while the normal flow was gradually restored.
