Pedestrian struck and killed on I-40 in Burke County, North Carolina

HILDEBRAN, N.C. – One person is dead after being hit while traveling on Interstate 40 West in Burke County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, Highway Patrol troopers responded to a fatal crash on I-40 West near Exit 118 toward Old NC 10. When they arrived, they learned that a truck driver with a 2022 Volvo trailer traveling west hit a person who was in the road.

The person was then struck by a second vehicle, a 2017 Toyota Camry that was heading west.

While trying to avoid the pedestrian, the truck driver swerved and went off the side of the road. The truck then went down an embankment, overturned and crashed into trees. The right lane of I-40 West was closed in response as crews work to recover the tractor-trailer.

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The drivers of the two vehicles were not injured.

The Highway Patrol said they were not sure why the pedestrian was in the area, but noticed the road was not lit. The pedestrian, a 30-year-old man from Connelly Springs, died at the scene from his injuries.

Officials said impairment and speed are not considered contributing factors based on the initial investigation, and no charges are expected to be filed.

If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.