Fire, wreck disrupt traffic on I-540, U.S. 64

Apex, N.C. — A tractor-trailer fire and a wreck involving a motorcycle injured three people and tied up traffic along U.S. Highway 64 in Chatham County and Interstate 540 in Raleigh Wednesday morning.

A tractor-trailer rear-ended a dump truck on U.S. 64 East around 5:45 a.m., knocking both vehicles off the right side of the road, state troopers said. The tractor-trailer then caught on fire.

Both drivers were injured, troopers said. One was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh, and one to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

What caused the tractor-trailer to rear-end the dump truck isn't clear, but troopers said they expect to file charges after the investigation is complete.

Crews assessed the wreck scene as a hazardous-materials situation. Authorities shut down eastbound lanes of U.S. 64, near N.C. Highway 751, for about three hours.

One person was injured in the wreck involving a motorcycle on I-540 West, near Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, around 7 a.m., troopers said.

Two lanes of I-540 West were closed, backing up traffic to Buffaloe Road at one point.

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To the Family of the truck driver, we are glad that He is ok!! My Husband is fine too. He is a truck driver and He is the one that pulled your Husband out of the tractor trailer few seconds before it explode and caught on fire. GOD bless you all.

nieto7betty
June 8, 2011 7:26 p.m.

To the guys who pulled my husband from his tractor Thanks! He is still in the hosptial but will be ok. I could not believe these pictures so scary looking and you surely saved his life.

tmaravene
June 8, 2011 5:33 p.m.

To everyone who stopped to help on I-540 this morning, thanks!!! I didn't get your names so I could thank you individually, but it is nice to know there are still people who will help when needed. :) I'm at home now, a fractured bone on my ring finger was the major injury. The rest were scrapes & bruises.

rrzx-14
June 8, 2011 3:48 p.m.

Was camping at the lake this past week and weekend. I heard this crash and every siren in the area this morning at Crosswinds Campground. It was loud, it was horrendous. Glad to hear there were survivors they were still clearing the wreck and investigating it at noon today.