HILDEBRAN, N.C. — A person has died after being hit while on Interstate 40 West in Burke County, according to North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, Highway Patrol troopers responded to a deadly crash on I-40 West near Exit 118 for Old NC 10. When they arrived they learned a driver in a 2022 Volvo tractor-trailer traveling west hit a person who was in the road.
The person was then struck by a second vehicle, a 2017 Toyota Camry heading west.
While trying to avoid the pedestrian, the driver of the tractor-trailer swerved, driving off the side of the road. The tractor-trailer then went down an embankment, overturned, and hit trees. The right lane of I-40 West was shut down in response as crews work on recovering the tractor-trailer.
The drivers of the two vehicles were not injured.
Highway Patrol said they were not sure why the pedestrian was in the area, but noted the roadway was not lighted. The pedestrian, a 30-year-old man from Connelly Springs, died at the scene due to his injuries.
Officials said impairment and speed are not considered contributing factors based on the initial investigation, and no charges are expected to be filed.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.