A pre-dawn wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County turned deadly early Saturday, killing three people and leaving a fourth with serious injuries. The violent head-on collision shut down part of the highway as first responders worked the scene and state troopers launched an investigation. Authorities said they are still working to identify the victims and notify families.
What state troopers say
According to ABC11, citing the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 2:41 a.m. near the 344-mile marker on the eastbound side of I-40. Investigators say a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling west in the eastbound lanes when it slammed head-on into a black Honda Accord.
Troopers told the station that everyone in the Camaro died at the scene, along with the Honda’s front-right passenger. The Honda’s driver was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville with serious injuries, according to ABC11.
Why wrong-way crashes are especially deadly
Wrong-way wrecks are relatively rare, but when they happen they are often devastating. The National Transportation Safety Board has called them among the most serious types of highway crashes and has pushed for prevention measures after studying multiple incidents. According to the NTSB, common factors in wrong-way collisions include impaired driving, confusion at entrance and exit ramps, and poor visibility in low-light conditions.
The N.C. Department of Transportation also tracks wrong-way incidents and promotes engineering changes and enforcement efforts aimed at cutting down on these rare but often fatal crashes.
Traffic impact and next steps
I-40 eastbound was temporarily shut down just east of Exit 343 while first responders secured the area, investigated the crash and cleared the wreckage. The highway later reopened to traffic.
Per ABC11, troopers are continuing to investigate and say they will release more information once they confirm identities and notify next of kin.
