Tragic Multi-Vehicle Collision on I-95 in Wilson County Claims Five Lives

Five individuals lost their lives in a devastating collision involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 95 North in Wilson County, North Carolina, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday afternoon. The tragic incident, which occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. near Mile Marker 113 in the town of Lucama, involved three tractor-trailers and two SUVs.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the chain-reaction crash began when a tractor-trailer carrying oranges collided with two SUVs and another tractor-trailer transporting eggs. A third tractor-trailer, hauling sand, was also involved. The orange-hauling truck caught fire and sustained severe damage, while the egg-hauling truck was forced off the road and into a ditch.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and at least three individuals were transported to Wilson Medical Center near downtown for medical attention. The truck drivers were treated for minor injuries. Tragically, the occupants of a Chevy Tahoe, identified as 72-year-old William Tucker and 66-year-old Elizabeth Tucker from Hephzibah, Georgia, did not survive the crash.

Additionally, three individuals in a Toyota Rav-4 also lost their lives: 68-year-old Edward Davis, 69-year-old Martha Davis, and 80-year-old Linda Whitehurst, all from North Carolina. The tragic nature of the incident deeply affected those involved and onlookers alike.

“We were on our way to New York to enjoy ourselves before school resumes. And we got caught up in this,” recounted driver Michael Broughton, whose family’s journey was abruptly halted by the crash. Traffic was brought to a standstill for five hours, with one lane reopening around 5:30 p.m. to allow stranded vehicles to pass. Afterward, NCDOT crews closed the road again to continue clearing the interstate.

The collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on highways. Clellan Johnson, a truck driver with thirty years of experience, expressed his sympathy and concern for the victims and their families. “I feel for the family. I will keep them in my prayers tonight,” Johnson said.

Authorities are investigating the actions of the driver of the semi-truck that initiated the collision. In the wake of this tragic event, Johnson advised, “Stay vigilant of your surroundings and ensure the safety of everyone else.”

The crash has left a lasting impact on the community and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies on the road.