Five people were hospitalized following a crash that involved eight vehicles shut down U.S. 158 in Kitty Hawk Thursday morning that led to major backups in the milepost 4 area through midday.
Kitty Hawk Police Chief Joel Johnson said in a statement their investigation points to a tanker truck traveling north on Croatan Highway that moved into the right turn lane to avoid several vehicles in both main travel lanes.
The vehicle then swerved and entered the intersection at a high rate of speed after running a red light, struck a car traveling west on Kitty Hawk Road and then subsequently overturned, sliding into the southbound travel lanes.
The vehicle that started the crash then hit five additional vehicles, including another commercial vehicle that were stopped for the red light.
Four motorists were taken by Dare County EMS to the Outer Banks Hospital. One was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital by Dare MedFlight with serious injuries.
“The investigation continues and charges will be forthcoming. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the investigation,” Johnson said.
Kitty Hawk Police and Fire, Dare County EMS, Kill Devil Hills Fire and Police, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Duck Police Department and N.C. Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement responded to the scene.
“We would also like to thank Seto’s and Bayside Towing for their quick response and assistance in getting the road clear,” Johnson said.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story was updated to reflect new information provided by the Kitty Hawk Police Department.
