Truck carrying 50,000 pounds of bananas overturns on I-85 near Hillsborough

The truck, which was headed to Salisbury, overturned around 4 a.m. at the I-85 and I-40 split near Hillsborough. Several lanes on I-40 were closed for four hours Monday in each direction near Exit 163 until the bananas were cleared from the road. Most of the bananas were in the median, according to authorities.

Officials said the driver of the truck fell asleep and struck the guardrail. He will be charged with careless and reckless driving. The driver is bruised, officials say, but no major injuries were reported in the incident.

Officials said lanes on I-85 southbound will reopen Monday afternoon but are asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.