Asheville, NC, August 9, 2025
News Summary
A significant truck fire on the westbound side of I-40 near Asheville led to major traffic disruptions after a dump truck collided with the center median. The incident, caused by a blown tire, resulted in injuries and extensive road closures. Both drivers were transported to Mission Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. While the eastbound lanes have since reopened, repairs on the westbound side are ongoing, with delays anticipated for travelers in the area.
Asheville, NC – A major truck fire caused significant traffic disruptions on the westbound side of Interstate 40 near Asheville on Thursday, after a dump truck collided with the center median around 1:40 p.m. The incident, which stemmed from a blown tire, has resulted in injuries and extensive road closures in the area.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the dump truck lost control due to a tire failure. Following the blowout, the truck crashed into the center concrete median, tipped over, and spilled its load of gravel into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The gravel struck a convertible traveling in the opposite direction, causing it to lose control and flip several times.
As flames engulfed the dump truck, thick smoke billowed into the air, visible from roads in the vicinity. Emergency crews responded swiftly, and both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-40 were closed for about four hours to address the fire and manage the resulting traffic situation.
Both drivers, from the dump truck and the convertible, were taken to Mission Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. While the eastbound lanes have since reopened, repairs are ongoing on the westbound side where damage to the roadway was reported. Currently, the left lane of I-40 West remains closed until repairs are expected to be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday.
The fire caused major disruptions for motorists traveling through the area, with traffic backed up toward Asheville and detours necessary through downtown Canton. Many drivers faced significant delays and some became stranded for hours due to the backup created by the incident. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is advising travelers to use caution and be prepared for ongoing delays as repair efforts continue.
Impact on Traffic
The major truck fire has resulted in substantial traffic delays along a key route between Tennessee and Asheville. Travelers were rerouted through alternative pathways during the investigation and repairs, leading to prolonged wait times and frustration for many motorists.
Ongoing Repairs
The Westbound lanes of I-40 are under repair due to the damage caused by the incident. NCDOT engineers are actively working to restore full access to the interstate, and travelers are advised to expect lane restrictions and additional delays in the area until repairs are completed.
Background Information
Interstate 40 is a vital transportation corridor that connects major cities across the eastern United States. Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as dump trucks, can have dramatic and far-reaching effects on traffic flow and safety. The area near Asheville has seen previous incidents on this busy highway, emphasizing the need for ongoing vehicle safety and road maintenance.
Key Details About the Incident
- Date and Time: Thursday, around 1:40 p.m.
- Location: I-40 Westbound near Exit 33 to Newfound Road, Asheville.
- Involved Vehicles: A dump truck and a convertible.
- Cause: Tire blowout resulting in loss of control.
- Injuries: Two drivers with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Closure Duration: Approximately four hours.
- Current Lane Status: Left lane of I-40 West closed for repairs.
Additional Information
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on traffic conditions and road status through official transportation resources and to plan for extended travel times through the area.
FAQ Section
- What caused the truck fire on I-40 near Asheville?
- The fire was caused by a tire blowout on a dump truck, leading to a crash into the center median.
- Were there any injuries reported?
- Yes, the drivers of both the dump truck and the convertible sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Mission Hospital.
- How long were the lanes closed on I-40?
- The interstate was closed for about four hours, with ongoing repairs expected to continue until approximately 5 p.m. on Friday.
- What detours are in place for I-40 traffic?
- Travelers were diverted through downtown Canton due to the road closures and ongoing conditions.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Thursday, around 1:40 p.m. |
| Location | I-40 Westbound near Exit 33 |
| Vehicle Type | Dump truck and convertible |
| Causation | Tire Blowout |
| Injuries | Non-life-threatening |
| Lane Closures | Left lane of I-40 West closed |
| Traffic Impact | Significant delays and backups |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Westbound I-40 near Asheville partially closed for repairs after truck fire
- 828 News: Part of I-40 closed after crash in Haywood County
- WLOS: Crash closes I-40 West, exit 37 expected to reopen
- The Mountaineer: I-40 closed in Haywood County due to accident
- Charlotte Observer: North Carolina news updates
- Wikipedia: Interstate 40
- Google Search: I-40 traffic updates
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
