Wilson, NC (July 22, 2026) – Two people were killed after a head-on crash involving a wrong-way pickup truck on Interstate 587 near mile marker 31 in Wilson County on Monday night, July 20.
The crash was reported shortly before 7:15 p.m. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a pickup truck traveling westbound on Interstate 587 made a U-turn and began driving in the wrong direction. One vehicle avoided the truck by swerving into the median, and its occupants were not injured.
The pickup truck later collided head-on with another vehicle near mile marker 31. The driver of the pickup truck and the driver of the second vehicle both died from injuries sustained in the crash. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 587 were closed during the investigation but have since reopened.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We hope those injured recover fully and quickly.
How Wrong-Way Crashes Can Become Severe Interstate Accidents
Wrong-way crashes are dangerous because vehicles can meet head-on at highway speeds, creating a high risk of serious injuries or fatalities; these collisions may happen when a vehicle enters traffic lanes in the wrong direction, creating a sudden hazard for approaching drivers.
Crash reviews may include information about vehicle paths, roadway design, and conditions surrounding the incident. Interstate crashes can also require temporary lane closures while crews clear the area and gather information. Understanding how these crashes occur can help highlight the risks associated with wrong-way driving on major roadways.
