A FedEx truck driver was injured Wednesday in a serious crash off Interstate 540 near Knightdale. The Raleigh Fire Battalion Chief said over 100 packages were impacted by this crash.

FedEx said it will notify senders if their package is among those destroyed, and recommended that both senders and those expecting a package from FedEx use online tracking tools.

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The company issued this statement: 

Safety is of the utmost importance to FedEx, and we would like to extend our appreciation to the first responders who assisted our team member following the accident. We are taking steps to recover and transport the affected packages as quickly as possible. Affected shippers will be notified about damaged packages, and customers with questions about their shipments can visit fedex.com.FedEx

WRAL News is asking further questions about the crash and the packages:

  • Is there an update on the driver's condition?
    • Has FedEx determined what caused the vehicle to leave the highway?
      • Where was the truck going to/coming from?
        • What is the dollar value of packages on board that truck? Was it all destroyed in the crash and subsequent firefighting efforts?
          • How many packages was the truck carrying?
            • How does FedEx alert customers about damaged/destroyed packages?

              Lynnwood Road reopens Wednesday afternoon

              The crash of a twin trailer truck was reported around 5 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-540 at Lynnwood Road. 

              According to Knightdale police, the truck went off I-540, traveled down an embankment and caught  fire. The driver was taken to WakeMed with injuries.

              The WRAL Breaking News Tracker was at the scene at 5:45 a.m., where smoke was coming from the crashed truck on its side beside Lynnwood Road. Sky 5 also flew over the scene.

              Lynwood was closed between Pine Acres Court and the Planter’s Walk Pool near Lauren’s Way through about 3 p.m. There is no on-going impact to traffic on the interstate above.

              The chief also said there was no damage to the underpass, but the guardrail was damaged. 

              Equipment was brought in to clear over 100 packages that were spilled and any downed trees. Smoke was smoldering above the trees, and pieces of the truck appeared to surround the main trailer. Crash debris and packages from the truck also littered the scene.

              The battalion chief said after the truck crashed, diesel did leak out, causing several hot spots and spreading the fire at times. He could not say how much fuel spilled out of the truck. 

              'A huge thing'

              People who have lived around I-540 for years said they have never seen a crash like this happening near their homes. 

              "I never thought there'd be an incident of this magnitude," said neighbor Tracy Pedigo. "This is a huge thing."

              There were many first responders working the scene.

              Knightdale police released the following statement:

              "Emergency crews, fire personnel, and investigators are working together to safely process the scene and clear the roadway. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes."Knightdale Police

              No information was provided on the cause of the crash or the driver's condition from the battalion chief. He said that information will come from Knightdale Police Department. 

              This crash remains under investigation.