News Summary
A series of tragic vehicle crashes on Interstate 240 in Asheville have led to multiple deaths and injuries, raising concerns about pedestrian safety. Authorities are investigating incidents from the weekend and early this week, with significant traffic disruptions occurring as a result. Community members are urged to prioritize safety measures while navigating the roads to prevent further tragedies.
Asheville, N.C. – A series of tragic vehicle crashes over the weekend and early this week have resulted in multiple fatalities on Interstate 240 in Asheville. Authorities are investigating these incidents, which have caused significant traffic disruptions and raised concerns about pedestrian safety.
On Saturday, June 14, a multi-vehicle crash on I-240 West near Exit 1B resulted in the death of a driver identified as Zachariah Robert Cosgrove, 41. The crash occurred around 2:52 p.m. and involved a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, a 1984 Pontiac Firebird, and a 2018 Ford F-150. Cosgrove, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and succumbed to his injuries at Mission Hospital. Additionally, a passenger in his Jeep sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The following day, on June 15, another crash involving a truck hauling hay bales led to the death of 34-year-old Dustin Lee Hensley. This incident occurred just off Exit 1B at approximately 11:23 a.m. Hensley lost control of his 2012 Ford pickup truck while towing a trailer of hay bales, causing it to roll over. He was taken to Mission Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. An unnamed passenger in Hensley’s truck also suffered minor injuries.
Continuing the trend of fatal accidents, on Tuesday night, June 17, a pedestrian was struck and killed at the intersection of Patton Avenue and North Louisiana Avenue. The collision occurred shortly after 10 p.m. when a 2000 Nissan Sentra, moving westbound, hit the pedestrian who was crossing outside of a designated crosswalk. The pedestrian died at the scene, although authorities have yet to release their identity. The driver remained at the scene, and the Asheville Police Department is urging witnesses to provide information about the incident by calling (828) 252-1110.
On Sunday, June 15, a crash earlier in the day caused significant traffic delays on I-240 West, with the right lane closed between 11:38 a.m. and 2:38 p.m. due to an unrelated incident. The Asheville Police Department has acknowledged the growing concerns surrounding vehicle safety in the area and is actively investigating all recent incidents. Officials plan to continue sharing updates as more details emerge.
The combination of these incidents underscores the dangers that exist on the roads of Asheville, particularly in high-traffic areas like I-240. As investigations continue, local authorities emphasize the importance of caution and compliance with traffic regulations to prevent future accidents.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant while driving and be aware of their surroundings, especially when navigating around pedestrian areas. The Asheville Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and is working diligently to resolve these ongoing investigations.
For anyone who may have witnessed any of the recent crashes or has information that could assist investigators, it is crucial to reach out to local law enforcement. The safety of the community relies on collaborative efforts between the police, residents, and drivers on the road.
Asheville continues to mourn the loss of those affected by these tragic events. The community is reminded to drive responsibly and to follow safety guidelines while on the roads, in hopes of preventing further accidents in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Car Crash on I-240 Exit 2
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WYFF4: Fatal Crash on Patton Ave
- Google Search: Asheville Traffic Accidents
- Fox Carolina: Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-240
- Google Scholar: Asheville Vehicle Safety
- WYFF4: Fatal Crash Involving Hay Bales
- Google News: Asheville Pedestrian Safety
