GREENSBORO, N.C. — A fiery, high-impact crash brought traffic on Interstate 40 to a standstill, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and leaving multiple people injured in a chaotic scene that shut down a major stretch of highway.
The crash occurred on I-40 West near Mile Marker 208 at the Sandy Ridge Road exit, where emergency crews rushed in after reports of a violent collision followed by an intense vehicle fire. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the westbound lanes were completely closed at NC 68 as crews worked to contain the situation.
The force of the crash sparked a massive blaze near the median, with flames rising dramatically above the roadway. Traffic camera footage captured the fire engulfing at least one vehicle, producing thick smoke visible from a distance and forcing nearby drivers to stop or turn around.
The impact didn’t just cripple westbound traffic. On the opposite side, the left two lanes of I-40 East were also shut down, creating gridlock in both directions. The backup stretched for miles, reaching as far as U.S. 421 near Bunker Hill Road as drivers were left stranded in long lines of halted traffic.
Emergency responders from Guilford County EMS confirmed that three people were injured in the crash. Two victims were transported to a nearby hospital, including one person in critical condition. A third individual suffered minor injuries.
Authorities have not yet released details about what led to the crash, but the severity of the collision and resulting fire underscores the dangerous conditions that unfolded within seconds on one of the region’s busiest highways.
Crews remained on scene working to fully extinguish the fire, clear debris, and reopen lanes.
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