A tractor-trailer driver was arrested Wednesday night after state troopers said he caused a deadly crash in Wilson County, just past the Johnston County line.
The crash was reported before 2 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 at Mile Marker 113 near Kenly. The road was closed for more than eight hours.
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A state trooper told WRAL News a tractor-trailer, driven by 51-year-old Charles Haskell, of Las Vegas, Nev., failed to stop for slowing traffic. He rolled into four other vehicles – a Chevy Tahoe, a Toyota RAV-4 and two other tractor-trailers – forcing them off the road.
Haskell's tractor-trailer came to a stop and caught on fire.
"When we arrived, we had a tractor-trailer that was totally engulfed in fire and a couple of other tractor-trailers involved and several vehicles that were involved," said Kenly Fire Chief Greg Whitehurst.
Sky 5 flew over the scene, where you could see the scorched tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailers were carrying eggs, orange juice and sand, all of which spilled onto the highway.
According to state troopers the following five people died in the crash:
- Edward Davis, 68, of Greenville
- Martha Davis, 69, of Greenville
- Linda Whitehurst, 80, of Robersonville
- William Tucker, 72, of Hephzibah, Ga.
- Elizabeth Tucker, 66, of Hephzibah, Ga.
Edward Davis, Martha Davis and Whitehurst were in the Rav-4, while William Tucker and Elizabeth Tucker were in the Tahoe.
Authorities briefly opened one of the lanes back up around 5:30 p.m to allow cars stuck on the interstate to pass, but then closed them again. Both lanes reopened just before 11 p.m.
"Anytime we have a situation like this, the first thing we want to do is get out there, try to bring in resources [so] that we can to address the situation, manage the situation and get help to the people that need it," Whitehurst said.
According to drivers who were stuck in traffic, several people tried crossing the center median to turn around and get on I-95 south while crews were clearing the wreckage.
"There's some cars that's trying to turn around, but the best thing is to just stay put, and sooner or later we'll get back on the road," said Apostle McNeill, who was trapped in the traffic jam on I-95.
Haskell and the other two truck drivers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Haskell was arrested after being released from the hospital and charged with five counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Authorities placed Haskell in the Wilson County Detention Center under a $25,000 bond.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.