OCTOBER 19, 2016
Four Oaks, N.C. — Authorities shut down all north and southbound lanes of Interstate 95 between mile marker 87 and 97 in Johnston County Wednesday afternoon due to a fiery crash involving a truck hauling chemicals.
The wreck happened around 1:45 p.m. near mile marker 95 when a 35-foot RV rear-ended a tractor-trailer, authorities said. Heavy smoke and flames could be seen from the crash.
A one-mile area surrounding the area was evacuated as a result of the crash, including Johnston Community College, Johnston County Middle College, Johnston County Early College and South Campus Community School. All locations were scheduled to reopen Thursday morning as scheduled.
Earlier Wednesday afternoon, a separate crashed near the U.S. Highway 301 interchange shut down southbound lanes of I-95.
Northbound traffic on I-95 is being directed to take exit 87 and southbound traffic to take exit 97. Motorists should follow detours set by law enforcement. To avoid the area altogether, motorists can follow an alternate route via U.S. 264 and I-40 through Raleigh. No additional information about the cause of the wrecks or any injures was not immediately known
Evacuations ordered after 3 crashes on I-95, multiple deaths reported
===================
Smoke from the fire is seen from a nearby road. (ABC11 Eyewitness Photo) Wednesday, October 19, 2016 03:36PM
JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC (WTVD) -- Johnston Community College is under evacuation after a crash and fire on I-95.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol said an RV hit the back of a tractor trailer possibly hauling some type of corrosive chemical. Both vehicles ignited.
There's no word yet on injuries at that crash. Firefighters are keeping people at least a half mile away while they allow the fire to burn itself out.
The fiery crash is just one of three crashes on the interstate. That one is close to mile marker 95. There are two more at markers 90 and 88.
ABC11 crews have learned there are two fatalities at the crash furthest south at Four Oaks.
Johnston Community College is right next to the interstate in Smithfield. An alert sent to students said the burning truck is directly behind the main campus. Both day and evening classes are cancelled.
The alert says I-95 is blocked in both directions and students should not try to go that way.
Northbound traffic on I-95 is being directed to take exit 87 and southbound traffic to take exit 97. Motorists should follow detours set by law enforcement. To avoid the area altogether, motorists can follow an alternate route via U.S. 264 and I-40 through Raleigh.
Both directions of I95 shut down due to fiery crash at exit 95. #abc11 pic.twitter.com/exAaYm3BGE— Dearon Smith (@Dearon_Smith) October 19, 2016