Durham, NC (May 9, 2026) – Two people were killed on Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 North in Durham County.
Emergency units responded around 1:20 p.m. near Red Mill Road, past Exit 183, after reports of a serious collision. According to reports, a car left the roadway and slammed into a tree along the interstate. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle.
Authorities confirmed that two people died as a result of the crash. No additional information about the victims has been released at this time. Northbound lanes were temporarily closed following the incident, with one lane reopening around 4:20 p.m. later in the afternoon.
No further details regarding what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway have been confirmed.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
Why Vehicles Leaving Highways Can Lead to Fatal Tree Collisions
High-speed highway crashes involving vehicles leaving the roadway can result in severe or fatal outcomes due to the force of impact with fixed objects such as trees. Unlike collisions with other vehicles, roadside impacts do not reduce the energy of a crash.
Highways like I-85 often carry fast-moving traffic, which can increase the severity of incidents when a vehicle suddenly departs its lane. Factors such as distraction, fatigue, weather conditions, or mechanical issues may contribute to roadway departures, though investigations are needed to determine the exact causes.
When a crash occurs in wooded or tree-lined areas, recovery efforts can also take longer due to limited access for emergency units and tow vehicles. Investigators typically examine vehicle damage patterns, road conditions, and debris distribution to better understand how the crash unfolded.
