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.