The crashes all happened near NC-86 around 5:30 p.m.
For nearly five hours, the westbound lanes of the highway were closed. Two of the eastbound lanes were also blocked.
Durham police said three vehicles, including the tractor-trailer, caught fire but no one suffered major injuries.
What remains of a nasty crash here on I-40 between a tractor trailer and several other cars. Front part of truck is totally burned up. Hope everyone is okay. #abc11 pic.twitter.com/TgPlhpXHZj
— Josh Chapin (@JoshChapinABC11) August 7, 2020
WATCH: Chopper 11 flies over crash on I-40
Several people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, according to the Durham Police Department.
I-40 West reopened about 9:30 p.m.