Durham, NC (June 11, 2026) – A woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a truck struck her on southbound Interstate 85, near Exit 173 for Cole Mill Road, in Durham. The accident was reported Wednesday, June 10, at approximately 9:13 p.m.
The pedestrian, an adult woman, was on the southbound side of the highway when she was hit. Both southbound lanes of I-85 were temporarily shut down following the collision, with traffic diverted onto Cole Mill Road, but the roadway has since reopened.
No charges had been announced as of the initial report on the wreck, and no names were released.
The circumstances that led to the crash remain under review, and further details are expected as the inquiry proceeds. We are thinking of the woman hurt and hope she makes a strong recovery.
What Happens After a Pedestrian Is Struck on a North Carolina Interstate
Pedestrian crashes on interstate highways are among the most serious types of road collisions, in large part because of the speeds involved. When someone on foot is struck by a vehicle traveling at highway speeds, the resulting injuries are often severe, and rapid medical attention is a priority. The roadway around the crash site is typically secured quickly to protect the person who was hurt and to prevent further danger to passing drivers.
Lane closures following a pedestrian crash on an interstate can last anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on how long it takes emergency units to clear the site and complete the initial documentation. Traffic is usually diverted to the nearest exit while that work is completed, which can create significant delays for drivers in the surrounding area, particularly at night when visibility is already reduced.
Whether or not charges follow a pedestrian crash depends on a variety of factors, including the results of the investigation, driver behavior, and whether any traffic laws were violated leading up to the collision.
