Canton, NC, August 9, 2025
News Summary
A gravel truck caught fire on Interstate 40 near Canton, leading to a complete shutdown for nearly five hours. The intense blaze destroyed the truck, prompted emergency responses, and injured one driver from a secondary vehicle. Traffic backed up significantly, affecting motorists traveling from Asheville. Though the fire was contained and debris cleared, partial lane closures remained as road repairs began, emphasizing the need for safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance.
Canton, North Carolina – A gravel truck fire caused significant disruptions on Interstate 40 near Canton on Thursday, leading to extensive traffic delays and emergency responses. The incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when the truck struck the median and erupted in flames, prompting immediate action from the North Canton Fire Department.
The fire was intense, completely consuming the truck and leaving it a mere skeleton of its former self. The heat was so extreme that it stripped the vehicle down to bare metal, with rubber from the wheel rims utterly incinerated. Thankfully, the truck’s driver escaped unhurt, but the incident led to complications for others on the road. A second vehicle, a convertible, flipped several times after hitting the spilled gravel, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to its driver.
Authorities closed I-40 for nearly five hours to manage the fire and clear the wreckage. Traffic backed up significantly, particularly affecting motorists traveling from Asheville, who were forced to exit at Interstate 37 and navigate through Canton on U.S. 19-23. By 3:30 p.m., reports indicated that traffic congestion extended for miles, causing some drivers to run low on fuel and resort to parking on the roadside while waiting for the situation to clear. The backup left many motorists stranded for hours, with no opportunity to turn around.
Residents and motorists caught in the traffic described the scenario as precarious, with children playing in the emergency vehicle lane and many individuals needing access to restrooms and refreshments. Despite the challenging circumstances, emergency personnel focused on ensuring safety while managing the situation.
By around 6:30 p.m., the debris from the truck fire was cleared, allowing one westbound lane of I-40 to reopen. However, traffic remained slow, requiring additional time to return to normal flow. Emergency repair work was performed due to damage caused by the fire to the roadway, with both westbound lanes of I-40 anticipated to fully reopen by 5 p.m. on Friday. Fortunately, within about an hour of the incident, one eastbound lane was able to resume operation.
Throughout the incident, the North Canton Fire Department expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and understanding, affirming that public safety was their primary concern during this challenging event.
Background Context
This accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers and unpredictable nature of road transport. Vehicle fires, while not extremely common, do occur and can lead to prolonged disruptions. This incident underscores the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety protocols while driving. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role emergency responders play in managing such unforeseen situations and ensuring the safety of both drivers and the surrounding community.
FAQ
What happened on I-40 near Canton?
A gravel truck caught fire after hitting the median, leading to a complete shutdown of I-40 for nearly five hours while emergency crews handled the situation.
Were there any injuries reported?
While the truck driver escaped unharmed, a second vehicle involved in the incident resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to its driver.
How long was I-40 closed?
I-40 was shut down for nearly five hours, with partial lanes reopening gradually after that.
What traffic alternatives were available?
Motorists traveling from Asheville were advised to exit at Interstate 37 and reroute through Canton on U.S. 19-23.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Gravel truck fire |
| Location | I-40 near Canton, NC |
| Time of Incident | 1:30 PM on Thursday |
| Duration of Road Closure | Approximately 5 hours |
| Injuries | Non-life-threatening injuries to one driver |
| Traffic Impact | Significant backups; motorists rerouted |
| Emergency Response | North Canton Fire Department |
| Reopening Timeline | Partial reopening by 6:30 PM; full reopening expected by 5 PM Friday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLOS News
- Wikipedia: Interstate 40
- The Mountaineer
- Google Search: I-40 Canton NC accident
- WBIR News
- Google News: I-40 truck fire
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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