I 40 reopens after fiery truck crash near Benson

The crash occurred in the westbound lanes before 8 a.m. at Exit 325 near Benson. The lanes had reopened by 9 a.m.

According to the State Highway Patrol, a white Chevrolet pickup truck rear-ended a box truck that was exiting the freeway at the rest area.

The pickup burst into flames, trapping a female passenger inside, troopers and witnesses at the scene said. The male driver of the pickup was able to get her outside the vehicle, witnesses said.

George Illick, who was driving in the area at the time and said he saw the truck catch fire, said he stopped to help out as the situation unfolded.

The unidentified woman was rushed for treatment to WakeMed, but information about her condition was not immediately available.

The accident prompted authorities to close the westbound lanes while they cleared the debris and investigated the crash.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area during the incident.