I-40 East reopens after 7-vehicle crash near RDU airport, officials say

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Raleigh-Durham International Airport reopened late Monday morning, after a seven-vehicle crash.

The crash occurred around 9 a.m. near Aviation Parkway in Morrisville and involved two tractor trailers, a sanitation truck and four passenger vehicles, officials said.

A passenger car in one of the inside lanes slowed to a stop, colliding with other vehicles, said Trooper E. Bowen of N.C. State Highway Patrol.

Troopers are still investigating what caused the car to initially stop, and whether another vehicle was involved, he said.

Bowen added they had not determined whether the first collision was a rear-end or a sideswipe, but said both occurred during the crash.

At least three people suffered injuries in the crash, but Bowen said none appeared to be life-threatening.

He said it was too early to say whether charges might be filed in connection to the crash.

The lanes reopened just after 11 a.m. and traffic was moving as of 11:15 a.m., said Marty Homan, a spokesman for the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Westbound I-40 lanes were not affected by the crash.

Drivers in the area had to exit at Aviation Parkway and cross over the ramp to re-enter the interstate before the lanes reopened.

This story was originally published January 10, 2022 at 9:47 AM.