Chaos on I-40: Truck Fire Stops Traffic Near Exit 355 in North Carolina
A massive crash and fire shut down Interstate 40 near Exit 355 in Sampson County, North Carolina, on the morning of April 29, 2025. The dramatic incident, which occurred near the town of Newton Grove, has brought traffic to a complete standstill in both directions and prompted a large-scale emergency response.
It’s the rare moment where there’s a major traffic jam in rural North Carolina. Primarily, I-40 in this part of North Carolina serves as the freeway extension of several rural routes. These rural highways range from numbered state roads, regular back roads, and US highways. As a result, commuters are used to jumping on I-40 and quickly traveling to the larger cities.
Scene of the Incident: Flames, Smoke, and Total Gridlock
Images from the scene show an intense blaze consuming a large truck, producing a towering plume of thick black smoke. The fire, visible from miles away, led to significant damage to multiple vehicles, including at least one that appears to be completely charred.
Emergency responders were seen battling the blaze with hoses and firefighting foam while wearing full protective gear. A helicopter hovered over the scene, suggesting a medical evacuation, underscoring the gravity of the situation. There are no reports, as of yet, but the accident does look fatal.
The only report of the incident simply states there was an accident in Duplin and Sampson County, North Carolina. Apparently, this accident took place very close to the county line between the two counties.
Location and Traffic Disruption
The crash happened near Exit 355 on I-40 eastbound in the Newton Grove area. This stretch of highway serves as a major east-west corridor through North Carolina. It connects Raleigh to Wilmington. The area surrounding the crash site is mostly rural, but the interstate is heavily used by both commuters and commercial vehicles.
According to Faison Fire & Rescue and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), eastbound lanes of I-40 were shut down near Exit 355. Westbound lanes were also impacted due to the fire, smoke, and emergency vehicle access needs.
Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions, with vehicles at a complete stop under an overpass and along the highway. Drivers were advised to use an alternate route. NCDOT directed motorists to detour via Exit 341 to NC-50, then to US-117 South, and back onto I-40.
Emergency Response: Full-Scale Operation
Fire crews, ambulances, and other first responders rushed to the scene. The helicopter, spotted in photos above the site, adds to concerns that the crash may have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities, though official confirmation is still pending.
Firefighters battled not just vehicle flames but also the risk of fire spreading to the surrounding grassy and wooded areas. The intense black smoke raised additional concerns about toxic fumes, especially from potentially hazardous materials or burning fuel.
With the accident being as hazardous as it was, the first responders immediately got to work. Given how rural the area is, there was an immediate danger of the fire spreading. However, it doesn’t look as if any fire did spread. So, that leaves everything contained to the highway.
Now, the only real risk is any kinds of dangerous chemicals or fumes being released to the air.
Possible Causes: High Impact and Hazardous Materials?
While the official cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, the intensity of the fire suggests the possibility of hazardous materials or large quantities of fuel being involved. The crash appears to have been a chain-reaction incident involving multiple vehicles, including at least one commercial truck.
Some images show the aftermath of what appears to be a high-speed collision, with the remains of vehicles barely recognizable due to fire damage. The overcast weather may have played a role in road conditions, though this remains speculative.
What can be confirmed is that cleanup is underway. The goal is to have I-40 back accessible as soon as possible. However, for the meantime, the detours are still available for drivers commuting through this area. With those highways primarily being two-laned, the traffic is likely slower on those roads, too.
Community and Commuter Impact
The closure of I-40 is expected to cause significant delays throughout the day, potentially into the evening, depending on cleanup and investigation timelines. Local roads may experience overflow traffic, complicating commutes and emergency services in surrounding communities.
For truck drivers, commuters, and residents relying on this route, the disruption is considerable. Many took to social media to warn others about the shutdown and to express concern for those involved. In this area, despite I-40 being an interstate, the road is primarily used for farming.
The agricultural centers of North Carolina are located in Duplin and Sampson Counties, among other rural counties in Eastern North Carolina. So, I-40 is a major traffic hub. In addition, many local residents in this area work in Raleigh and the Triangle. As a result, they use the highway to quickly get to work.
With that being the case, a major accident happening is understandable. This part of I-40 also connects the cities of Wilmington and Raleigh. Since Wilmington is home to the North Carolina state port and Raleigh is the state’s capital, there’s always a lot of traffic. So, a slowdown like this is very critical.
What to Expect Next
As of the latest update, emergency responders remain at the scene, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and check NCDOT traffic alerts for real-time updates.
Anyone traveling through Sampson County and Duplin County on I-40 should expect major delays and detours. Authorities have not given an estimate for when the interstate will reopen. As a result, drivers should pay attention to all traffic updates.
Stay Updated: We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available, including any official statements regarding injuries, cause, and reopening timelines.
If you witnessed the crash or have photos or information, contact local authorities or submit your footage via NCDOT’s official incident reporting channels.
