Driver standing on shoulder of I-40 in NC killed after being hit by tractor-trailer

A man standing on the shoulder of Interstate 40 in Johnston County died Tuesday after being hit during a crash involving multiple tractor-trailers.

The crash occurred after 8 a.m. when the driver of a tractor-trailer hit the brakes and jackknifed — or folded into a v-shape — while trying to slow down ahead of traffic, reported ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.

The tractor-trailer skidded off the road, then struck and killed Roy Dale Ward, 58, according to the State Highway Patrol.

Ward was the driver of a pilot truck that was parked along with its tractor-trailer carrying a steel beam. He was standing next to his vehicle when he was hit.

Two people in the jackknifed tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries, ABC11 reported. It’s unknown if anyone will face criminal charges.

I-40 lanes reopen after crash

The crash closed all westbound lanes of the interstate near State Road 210 for about seven hours, according to the Department of Transportation’s traffic map.

All westbound lanes reopened after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, but traffic congestion remained.

The crash caused major delays and traffic was diverted traffic off the highway through a detour.