Triple impact on NC Highway 50 sends two to hospital after driver caught between tractor-trailers. A motorist waiting to make a turn was struck from behind by a semi, then hit again by an oncoming rig on Wednesday.
The collision occurred on NC Highway 50 in Johnston County around midday on May 14. Emergency crews responded to find one tractor-trailer overturned on the roadway and another in a nearby ditch.
According to footage obtained by WRAL, the chain reaction began when a passenger vehicle stopped to make a turn. A tractor-trailer approaching from behind failed to stop in time.
The impact sent the smaller vehicle careening into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a second semi. Highway patrol officers at the scene confirmed the first tractor-trailer then overturned, blocking substantial portions of the roadway.
Aerial views showed extensive damage to all vehicles involved. The overturned rig blocked most of NC 50, while debris scattered across both lanes.
Transportation officials confirmed that NC 50 was completely closed at Surels Road while specialized heavy equipment was brought in to remove the wreckage. Traffic was diverted through local routes for several hours.
Remarkably, injuries were relatively minor despite the violent nature of the crash. Both the car driver and the operator of the overturned tractor-trailer were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The second truck driver appeared to escape serious injury and was evaluated at the scene.
State troopers have not yet indicated whether charges will be filed in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exact speeds and circumstances leading to the crash.
Local residents noted that the intersection has seen several serious accidents in recent years, though none involving multiple commercial vehicles of this size.