A late-night drive on Interstate 95 turned tragic Tuesday when a person walking in the northbound lanes was struck and killed near Godwin in Cumberland County, authorities said. The crash shut down the northbound side of the highway for hours and pushed overnight drivers onto nearby exits.
Officials told ABC11 that emergency crews were dispatched around 10:42 p.m. after a 26-foot box truck hit a person walking along the northbound lanes. The first unit arrived about six minutes later, at 10:48 p.m., and found the victim lying between two lanes. The person was pronounced dead at the scene, and their identity has not yet been released. According to the same report, the truck driver pulled into the right breakdown lane and has been cooperating with investigators.
WRAL reported that the crash happened at Mile Marker 66 near N.C. Highway 82 and that its Breaking News Tracker recorded video of a box truck stopped at the scene. The outlet said the roadway stayed closed for several hours and had reopened by about 5:30 a.m.
Investigation and traffic impacts
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol's Troop B, District 1 is leading the investigation, officials told ABC11. All northbound lanes were shut down while crews worked the scene, and traffic was diverted to Exit 65 during the closure, according to the same account.
Pedestrian crashes remain a local concern
Data from the N.C. Department of Transportation shows Cumberland County has logged dozens of pedestrian crashes in recent years, including multiple fatal incidents, highlighting the risk of walking along high-speed roadways. The county crash profile is part of statewide data used to pinpoint where safety improvements are most needed along busy corridors.
Drivers in the area faced detours and delays as responders investigated and cleared the scene. WRAL reported that northbound lanes ultimately reopened in the pre-dawn hours. Authorities have not yet released the victim's name while the investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to contact the State Highway Patrol.
The State Highway Patrol's Troop B, District 1 remains the lead agency on the case and has not announced any charges. Officials say they will release additional details as they become available.
