Haywood County, North Carolina — An early-morning crash on Interstate 40 East in Haywood County on March 5 resulted in a tractor-trailer being engulfed in flames, forcing authorities to close the interstate due to debris and melted asphalt, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred just before 6 a.m., involving only the tractor-trailer. Remarkably, the driver escaped without injury, a small relief amid the dramatic scene.
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First Sgt. Jason Metcalf of the Highway Patrol said the accident happened at mile marker 28.5 near Clyde. The driver was hauling rolls of wire, which were scattered across the interstate after the crash. Sgt. Metcalf explained:
“The driver was driving eastbound and ended up striking a collapsible crash container and then struck the concrete barriers on the side before finally coming to a rest after going about 200-250 feet down the interstate. When the tractor-trailer stopped, that’s when it burst into flames.”
The fire and scattered cargo caused significant damage to the roadway. The NCDOT reported that the intense heat from the blaze melted asphalt on both lanes and the shoulder, making cleanup especially difficult.
As a result, both lanes of I-40 East were temporarily closed, and officials warned motorists that the interstate would remain shut down indefinitely. By 10 a.m., the NCDOT updated the public, stating the interstate was expected to reopen by 12:10 p.m..
Meanwhile, NCDOT traffic engineers reprogrammed traffic signals in Clyde and Canton to help manage the influx of vehicles being rerouted from I-40. Residents reported significant disruptions to local traffic. Mary Steadman, who lives nearby, told News 13 that she could see the accident from her home.
She said back roads, including Thickety Road, Old Clyde Road, and U.S. 19/23, were heavily congested as drivers tried to bypass the interstate closure. Several smaller accidents were reported as motorists struggled with the sudden traffic surge.
Authorities and emergency responders worked throughout the morning to clear the debris, extinguish the fire, and repair damage to the interstate. Sgt. Metcalf emphasized the importance of safety, urging drivers to exercise caution and follow detour signs when major road closures occur.
While no injuries were reported, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers tractor-trailers can pose when carrying heavy or unwieldy cargo. The combination of scattered rolls of wire, a high-speed collision with barriers, and the fire created a challenging scene for first responders and traffic officials.
The interstate reopened shortly after the scheduled time, allowing commuters to resume normal travel, though authorities continued to monitor traffic flow in nearby towns to prevent additional accidents from the earlier congestion.
This incident highlights the critical role of rapid response from the Highway Patrol and NCDOT in managing major roadway emergencies and minimizing risk to the traveling public.
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