Fatal multi-vehicle crash leads to closure of I-26 East in Henderson County; detour established

HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — (1:22 p.m.) – NCDOT says the eastbound lanes of I-26 at Exit 54 across the South Carolina border will be closed for the next 10 hours so workers can complete repairs on about 200 feet of roadway. Officials said about 3,000 gallons of oil spilled due to the earlier accident.

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(1 p.m.) – NCDOT crews have been pouring sand on top of the spilled tar along I-26, allowing drivers who had been stuck in traffic for hours to pass through. Blue Ridge Fire and Emergency Services officials said once this is over, the highway will likely be closed again so crews can mill and resurface the asphalt.

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According to police, at least one person was killed in a serious accident involving several vehicles on Interstate 26 East. A hazardous materials incident was called. The road is expected to remain closed for several hours.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the accident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. at mile marker 55 on the Green River Bridge.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, four vehicles were involved in the crash, including two semi-trucks. Police confirmed that one person was killed in the crash.

According to police, one of the semi-trailers was transporting tar and hazardous materials transport crews were on site.

NCDOT said the cleanup and repaving work is expected to take several hours and the closure could last 12 to 14 hours.

Police said it was too early in the investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

DETOUR:

The road is closed at Exit 54 (US 25). Drivers should take Exit 53, Upward Road. Motorists should follow Upward Road to US 176 East, US 25, then US 25 South, SC-11 and back to I-26.

A News 13 crew is en route to the scene and will update this story as details become available.