WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) — Families in North Carolina and Georgia are mourning the loss of loved ones after five people were killed in a crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 95 on Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened shortly before 1:30 p.m. and involved three tractor-trailers and two SUVs in Wilson County.
A tractor-trailer driver who was hauling orange juice crashed into two SUVs and another tractor-trailer carrying a load of eggs. A third tractor-trailer, which was hauling sand, was also hit, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP).
The truck hauling orange juice erupted into flames and was badly burned. The impact from the crash sent the truck filled with eggs off the road and into a ditch.
Thursday, NCSHP released the identities of the five people who were killed in the crash.
At least three people were taken to Wilson Medical Center near downtown for treatment. The drivers of the trucks were treated for minor injuries.
The people killed in a Chevy Tahoe were 72-year-old William Tucker and 66-year-old Elizabeth Tucker from Hephzibah, Georgia.
The three people killed in a Toyota Rav-4 were all from North Carolina and identified as:
- 68-year-old Edward Davis – Greenville, NC
- 69-year-old Martha Davis – Greenville, NC
- 80-year-old Linda Whitehurst – Robersonville, NC
Charles Haskell, the tractor-trailer driver, who NCSHP says caused the crash has been charged with five counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
ABC11 talked to drivers who had to wait for hours while the crash was being investigated and the wreckage cleared from the interstate.
“We’re headed to New York to have a little fun before school starts back. And we got caught up in here,” said driver Michael Broughton.
His family’s trip north was delayed after traffic was brought to a standstill for five hours.
“It’s really sad man. It really just touched me, ” said Broughton.
The news shook Clellan Johnson, a truck driver for thirty years.
“I’m sorry for the family. I will pray for them tonight,” said Johnson.
Traffic in the area was snarled for several miles. One lane of traffic reopened around 5:30 p.m. to allow the cars stuck on the interstate past the detour to pass through. Once those cars passed, NCDOT crews closed the road again and resumed their work to clean the interstate.
For drivers and truckers, it’s a scary reminder of how the highways can be a dangerous place.
“Be aware of your surroundings and try to make sure everyone else is safe,” said Johnson.
Authorities said the driver of the semi-truck that triggered the crash is facing charges and speed was a factor in the crash.
ABC11’s Josh Chapin contributed to this report.
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