Breaking News: Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on I-40 in Burke County Leaves One Dead, One Airlifted
March 5 , 2025Morganton, North Carolina — March 4, 2025 — According to WBTV, a tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 West in Burke County left one person dead and another critically injured.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the Highway 18 exit in Morganton. A Hyundai Sonata was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when it collided head-on with a Ford Mustang. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the driver of the Sonata to enter the wrong side of the interstate.
The driver of the Hyundai Sonata, identified as 76-year-old Carolyn Calhoun Cooper, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mustang, a 23-year-old, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for treatment. Their current condition has not been disclosed.
State troopers have confirmed that neither speed nor impairment caused the crash. As a result, no charges will be filed.
The wreck caused significant traffic disruptions, leading to the closure of I-40 West for approximately three hours while investigators worked at the scene.
Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash. As more information becomes available, further updates will be provided.
Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the injured and deceased.
The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.
A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.
Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in this incident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Having your case evaluated by a lawyer immediately will ensure your rights are protected. The first step is to request a police report, and we can do that for you.
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