Sampson County, North Carolina — May 9, 2026,  According to ABC 11, a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 claimed the lives of three people and left another person critically injured, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Investigators said the collision occurred in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 344. Authorities reported that a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it struck a black Honda Accord head-on.

Officials identified the two occupants of the Camaro as Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias, 21, and Gabriel Toxtle Zacarias, 20. Both men died at the scene.

A 14-year-old passenger riding in the Honda Accord also suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash site. The Accord’s driver survived the collision but sustained serious injuries and was transported by air to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for emergency treatment.

The crash temporarily shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Exit 343 while investigators and emergency crews responded to the scene. Authorities later reopened the roadway after the investigation and cleanup efforts were completed. 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.