For Release: Immediate  Date: May 28, 2004

F/Sgt. Everett Clendenin Phone:(919) 733-5027 (Ext. 233)

RALEIGH- A Ford minivan struck the guardrail on I-95 at 5:30 a.m. this morning North near the 91 mile marker. The van was disabled in the roadway. A tractor trailer tanker traveling North on I-95 struck the minivan. The tanker swerved left into the median striking the guardrail and overturned in the southbound lanes of I-95. The driver of the tanker was killed as a result of the collision. His body is pinned inside the tanker.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 are blocked and traffic will be detoured.

Traffic southbound will be detoured at exit 95 onto US 70. Traffic northbound will be detoured at exit 90 onto US 301. The highway Patrol expects the detour to be active for a minimum of three to five hours.

Motorists should seek an alternate route if possible. Motorists can expect lengthy delays around these exits on I-95, US 301 and US 70 due to the heavy volume of holiday traffic.

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2004; 9:28 AM

NEW DETOUR FOR I-95 IN JOHNSTON COUNTY

I-95 South will exit onto US 70, I-40, I-95. I-95 North will exit I-40, US 70, I-95.

There has been another fatal collision at the intersection of US 70 and Wilson Mills road in Johnston County.

A mobile Home Carrier has overturned on I-95 South at the 97 mile marker.

Motorists in this area can expect lengthy delays.

For roadway opening updates use www.ncsmartlink.org, do not call the highway patrol for this information. We will forward the information when we receive it!

This is all the information that the PIO has; please do not call asking for updates. We will provide the information when we receive it.

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2004; 11:16 AM

RALEIGH- The Highway Patrol is sending additional Troopers and MCE Officers to assist in various capacities with the traffic collisions in Johnston County. The Patrol continues to urge motorists to avoid the area if at all possible. Motorists can expect lengthy delays in the detour area.

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2004; 2:50 PM

The driver of the tanker involved in the collision on I-95 has been identified as Ronald Lee Bridges, age 59, of Dalton Ga. His employer is Textile Rubber and Chemical Co. from Dalton, Ga.

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2004; 3:44 PM

All lanes of I-95 in Johnston County are in the process of opening at this time. Traffic delays are still expected in the area, motorists are urged to exercise caution.

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2004; 4:35 PM

The Highway Patrol has identified the driver of the Ford mini-van involved in this morning’s fatal collision with the tractor-trailer tanker. The driver’s name is Shelmaeime Rhaburn, 41 years-old from Ft. Bragg.

This investigation is continuing. No charges filed at this time.

Questions concerning the other fatality on US 70 on Wilson Mills Road should be directed to Sgt. Taylor, supervisor in Johnston County after 6 p.m. He can be reached by contacting Highway Patrol Communications, 733-3861.