All lanes of I-95 back open after big rig crash in Johnston County

All lanes of Interstate 95 in Johnston County reopened Wednesday afternoon about two hours after a tractor-trailer collided Wednesday afternoon with an RV camper, prompting several miles of traffic gridlock.

One 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.