New Hanover County, North Carolina, July 12, 2026 — According to WECT and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a fatal head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver shut down a portion of Interstate 140.

Authorities responded to the crash near the Interstate 40 interchange. Investigators say a black Jeep was traveling in the wrong direction before colliding head-on with a white Mitsubishi.

The driver of the Mitsubishi suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. The driver of the Jeep was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Following the preliminary investigation, the driver of the Jeep was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, reckless driving, driving the wrong way on the interstate, and exceeding the posted speed limit.

Wrong-Way Crash

Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.

The collision temporarily closed the affected section of I-140 for approximately 90 minutes while emergency crews responded and investigators documented the scene. The roadway has since reopened, and the Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 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 Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt 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.