I-40 in Johnston County reopens after multi-car crash caused by wrong way driver

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. -- Drivers in Johnston County were stuck in traffic for nearly two hours after a crash involving multiple cars on I-40 west in Johnston County Friday afternoon.

A man has been charged with driving while impaired and driving the wrong way, after he got off NC 210 at exit 319. According to State Troopers, he made a U-turn at the top of the ramp and drove eastbound in the westbound lanes.

A total of six cars were involved in the wreck. Three people were taken to the hospital with non- life threating injuries,

According to NCDOT, all lanes of I-40 West and the left lane of I-40 East were closed near Exit 319, NC 210, near Benson, due to a crash. Drivers were asked to use detours to avoid the area.

The road reopened just before 4:00 PM.

"I don't think I have ever seen anything like this before," Witness Steven Whitley said. " If it was like a hit and run, he would have gone off the exit that was right there a half mile away. Instead of trying to go against traffic. But it's not a normal ordeal."