Fayetteville, NC (Sunday Morning, May 10, 2026) – Wrong-Way Crash on I-40 Leaves 3 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured in Sampson County
Three people are dead and another was seriously injured following a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 early Saturday morning in Sampson County, North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:41 a.m. near the 344-mile marker in the eastbound lanes of I-40.
Investigators said a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it collided head-on with a black car.
Both occupants of the Camaro were pronounced dead at the scene. Inside the Honda Accord, a 14-year-old passenger also died at the scene, while the driver was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville with serious injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the eastbound lanes of I-40 were temporarily shut down just east of Exit 343 following the crash but have since reopened.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way collision. No further details have been released at this time.
5 Steps to Take After a Serious Wrong-Way Crash in Fayetteville (I-40 Incident)
Taking the right steps after a severe highway crash can help protect your health and preserve critical information. The following steps are recommended after a major wrong-way collision like the one reported on Interstate 40 in Sampson County, where three people were killed and one was seriously injured.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
In high-speed wrong-way crashes, injuries are often severe or fatal. Even survivors may suffer internal injuries, head trauma, or shock that require urgent medical care. In this incident, emergency responders transported the injured driver by air to a trauma center.
2. Document the Scene
If it is safe, document the crash site with photos showing vehicle positions, debris, roadway markings, and lane directions. On highways like I-40, preserving early visual evidence can help investigators understand the sequence of events before the scene is cleared.
3. Report the Accident
Ensure the crash is fully reported to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Fatal wrong-way crashes typically involve a detailed reconstruction, including speed analysis, lane tracing, and witness statements. An official report is essential for legal and insurance purposes.
4. Keep Organized Records
Maintain all crash-related documentation, including EMS reports, hospital records, police reports, and insurance communications. Serious multi-fatality crashes often involve extended investigations, making organized records especially important.
5. Review Insurance and Legal Options
After a fatal wrong-way collision, questions about liability and coverage are common. Reviewing insurance policies and consulting legal professionals can help affected families understand their rights and next steps while the investigation continues.
Notes: Information in this report is based on initial details available at the time of publication and may be updated as authorities release additional findings. Certain details, including the identities of those involved, have not been disclosed unless confirmed by officials. Times, locations, and response information are approximate and derived from early reports. The cause of the crash remains under investigation unless otherwise stated.
Disclaimer: This summary is based solely on publicly available news or public safety information. No personally identifying information is included. This report is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice or solicitation.
This report is compiled from publicly available accounts and may be updated as more information becomes available. If you or a loved one was involved, contact Speaks Law Firm for a free, confidential case review.
