All lanes of I-95 back open after big rig crash in Johnston County
The northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Johnston County were closed after a tractor-trailer collided Wednesday afternoon with a camper, prompting traffic gridlock that could stretch into the evening rush hour commute.
Posted — UpdatedOne person was flown to WakeMed in Raleigh, and a second was rushed by ambulance to the same hospital after the crash, which occurred about 1 p.m. near Smithfield at Exit 97 and U.S. Highway 70, according to state transportation officials.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m., state authorities said the northbound lanes were moving again, and aerial views of the interstate from Sky 5 showed no meaningful traffic congestion as of 4 p.m.
State Highway Patrol First Sgt. Derek Mobley said the driver of a northbound SUV slammed on the brakes to avoid crashing into tire debris.
The driver of the tractor-trailer slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the SUV, and the big rig was struck from behind by an RV that was towing a car, Mobley said.
He said the tractor-trailer's driver did not know that his truck was dragging the RV, which had become lodged in the tractor-trailer.
The RV driver was pinned in the vehicle for about an hour while crews worked to free him from the wreckage.
Immediately after the accident, Sky 5 video showed an RV camper lodged in the back of a tractor-trailer under an I-95 overpass.
The accident prompted heavy delays in both directions while law enforcement officers worked to free the RV driver, investigate the crash and clear the scene.
A truck sitting in traffic, which was not involved in the crash, was carrying beehives, and WRAL News viewers reported bees flying in the area.
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