Two tractor trailers and a boat collide in fiery wreck

A portion of Highway 74 in North Carolina was shut down on Thursday afternoon after two tractor trailers and a boat collide underneath an overpass. 

The accident happened on the morning of April 18th on Highway 74 in Laurinburg, North Carolina. As of 2:30 p.m. CST, Highway 74 near S. Caledonia Road was still shut down. 

According to Fox 8, the incident involved two semi trucks and at least one boat. The details of the wreck and how exactly a boat became involved are unclear. However, one apparent witness reported on the NCDOT Facebook page that “he [the driver hauling the boat] didn’t have a pole car… was at a crawl making sure he could make it under, and a dump truck nailed the pilot car doing 70 mph… I passed that truck 2 exits back this morning.” These details have not been confirmed by officials. 

The collision caused a large fire, which sent clouds of smoke up into the air. It is unclear if anyone was injured in the incident. 

As of 3:30 p.m. CST, there was no timeline for the reopening of the roadway, reported WMBF. All eastbound lanes from exit 185 to exit 187 have been closed, and detour signs will be posted to allow travelers to avoid the crash site. 

“The detour will take travelers on US-501 South to John’s Station where they will make a left at the Stewartsville Fire Department,” a press release from Scotland county stated. 

“Travelers will then travel on Old Maxton Road to Patterson Road back to US-74 Business and then back on to US-74.”

A closure will also take place on Highland Road from U.S. 74 Business to Harry Malloy Road.