Traffic

Tanker overturns, driver dies in horrific crash on I-95 in Smithfield

One person died when a fuel tanker overturned on Interstate 95 in Smithfield on Sunday morning.

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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — One person died when a fuel tanker overturned on Interstate 95 in Smithfield on Sunday morning.

Both directions of I-95 were closed near the Brogden Road exit while authorities investigate and clean up the wreckage. The lanes are now reopened.

The driver, Bryan Cook, was from Erwin and on his way to Fayetteville. He was 25 years old.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the driver ran off the road and hit the guardrail, flipping the tanker onto its side.

"The guardrail did its job, keeping the southbound truck out of the northbound lanes but the truck overturned," said Trooper Hocutt.

Bryan Cook, from Erwin, was killed in Smithfield on Sunday morning when the fuel tanker he was driving overturned and went through a guardrail on I-95.

Neither speed or impairment were factors in the crash. Approximately 4,000 gallons of gasoline leaked from the damaged truck. The NCDOT said the stretch is now expected to be closed until at least 7 p.m.

The tanker sat in the median of the road, impacting traffic on both sides. Cars were backed up for several miles around 7 a.m. as authorities worked to ease traffic. The crash was reported around 6:15 a.m.

The crash shut down I-95 in Smithfield for hours on Sunday.

Drivers should avoid the area if possible.

Stay with WRAL for the latest on this story.

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