1 dead in crash involving 53 vehicles on I-85 in Orange County

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- At least one person died and several were injured Wednesday in a major crash on Interstate 40 West at the Interstate 85 connector in Orange County.

The Orange Rural Fire Department said it was alerted to the crash about 3 p.m. It happened just west of the 259-mile marker

More than 50 vehicles were involved in the crash as snow and ice covered the interstate.

The Highway Patrol said two separate crashes happened on I-40/85 causing traffic to slow to a stop and backing traffic up onto I-40.

Cars stopped in traffic were hit from behind by multiple vehicles, including a tractor/trailer that struck a passenger car from behind. The driver of that car was killed.

Three more crashes happened behind that one, state troopers said, blocking I-40. That led to 12 more crashes at I-40 near the 159-mile marker.

In all, 53 vehicles were involved.

The driver of the tractor/trailer involved in the deadly crash, William Crowell Kellam, 44, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and exceeding a safe speed for conditions.

Kellam was given a written promise to appear in court.

The person killed was identified as Jerolyn Day Wilson, 78, of Burlington.

All westbound lanes remained closed from Hillsborough to the merge with Interstate 85 for nearly nine hours. Just before midnight, the NCDOT said all lanes were open.

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Those injured were all expected to recover.

Firefighters, EMS workers, and North Carolina state troopers were still at the scene Wednesday evening as tow trucks worked to clear vehicles from the roadway.

Another crash just after 10:30 p.m. on I-40 East in Orange County at Mile Marker 263 and the roadway closed near New Hope Church Road. One lane remains closed late Wednesday night.

Drivers are advised to stay off the roads if possible.