Wrong-way driver caused crash that shut down I-40 near Benson for nearly 2 hours
Authorities said a wrong-way driver closed Interstate 40 near North Carolina Highway 210 for nearly two hours on Friday afternoon.
Posted — UpdatedThis closure caused major traffic back-ups along the interstate as Friday was predicted to be a busy travel day for many as it kicked off the start of Memorial Day weekend.
Officials told WRAL News the crash was caused because a wrong-way driver came off exit 319 and was heading east in the westbound lanes of I-40. That driver collided with five or six other vehicles.
Three people were transported with non-life threatening injuries, according to State Highway Patrol.
Those who witnessed the accident told WRAL News it was terrifying.
"I noticed all these vehicles that were pulled over to the right and it took me off guard," said Steven Whitely, who managed to avoid the wrong-way driver. "As soon as he passed me I immediately was thinking he’s going to hit someone."
Seven people refused treatment at the scene of the crash, according to officials.
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