Local News
Victims Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County Identified
A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County left three people dead and another seriously injured early Saturday morning, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 2:41 a.m. on May 9, 2026, near the 344-mile marker in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Newton Grove.
Trooper Tew responded to reports of a head-on crash involving two vehicles.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that a red Chevrolet Camaro was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 when it collided head-on with a black Honda Accord.
Authorities identified the driver of the Camaro as Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias, 21, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Investigators said he was pronounced dead at the scene along with his passenger, Gabriel Toxtle Zacarias, 20, also of Fayetteville.
The driver of the Honda Accord suffered serious injuries in the violent crash and was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for emergency treatment.
Officials also confirmed that the front-seat passenger in the Honda, Beancy Rivas Flores, a 14-year-old girl, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.
The crash prompted a lengthy closure of Interstate 40 eastbound as emergency crews, investigators, and cleanup personnel worked at the scene.
Traffic in the area was diverted for several hours before the roadway was eventually reopened to motorists.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly wrong-way crash.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding what caused the Camaro to enter the interstate traveling in the wrong direction.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.