A smoldering tractor-trailer stalled traffic Wednesday night between mile markers 217 and 215 on Interstate 85 in Vance County.
Driver Milton Lewis, 54, of Virginia, said a blown tire caused him to lose control and go down an embankment just before 7 p.m.
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The truck caught fire, and flames spread quickly to a load of plastic pellets in the trailer.
Traffic was backed up for 5 miles directly after the crash.
Lewis was transported to Duke University Hospital in Durham with non-life threatening injuries.
Troopers said they are investigating whether Lewis fell asleep before the crash.