Pender County, NC (July 25, 2026) – A person was killed, and another was hurt in a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and an empty fuel tanker truck on Interstate 40 in Pender County on Thursday, July 23.
The collision happened near the 393-mile marker in the Watha area. Investigators said the driver of a passenger vehicle traveling west on I-40 lost control, crossed the median through a cable barrier, and entered the eastbound lanes before striking the tanker truck.
The passenger vehicle driver was pronounced dead at the roadway, while the tanker truck driver had minor injuries. Portions of I-40 were closed while the damaged tanker was removed and spilled diesel fuel was cleaned up. The names of the people involved have not been released. The circumstances behind the wreck are still being examined.
Our condolences go out to the loved ones of the person who was killed.
How Head-On Collisions Happen on High-Speed Roads
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of roadway crashes because the front of two vehicles can meet while traveling in opposite directions. The force involved can be significant, especially on highways where vehicles are usually moving at higher speeds.
Factors that may contribute to these crashes include loss of control, crossing lane barriers, distracted driving, poor visibility, or roadway conditions. Highway safety features such as median barriers are designed to help prevent vehicles from entering opposing lanes, but they cannot stop every situation. After a serious highway collision, transportation teams may also focus on clearing damaged vehicles and restoring safe travel conditions for other drivers.
