Major Pileup on I-26 East in Henderson County

Henderson County --   A major traffic incident occurred on the morning of March 17, 2025, when a tractor-trailer lost its load of construction cones on Interstate 26 East near mile marker 55. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the accident,

which happened around 7:45 a.m., resulted in a 16-vehicle pileup, causing significant traffic disruptions and lane closures.

According to initial reports, the tractor-trailer carrying construction cones spilled its load across the highway, leading to multiple vehicles colliding in the chaos. The incident occurred southeast of Hendersonville, near Ozone Drive, about four miles before Exit 59.

Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, attending to those involved. There have been no official confirmations on the number of injuries, but reports indicate that multiple individuals required medical attention.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Highway Patrol have closed all lanes on I-26 East as crews work to clear the scene.

As of 9:47 a.m., NCDOT reported that:

I-26 East remains closed at Exit 44 (US 25 Asheville Highway).

The on-ramp from US 25 South (Hendersonville Road) to I-26 East is also closed due to the ongoing cleanup and investigation.

Traffic is being detoured at Exit 44, with motorists advised to follow US 25 as an alternative route.

Authorities have not yet confirmed when the highway will fully reopen but have urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident, including whether proper safety measures were in place to secure the load of construction cones. 

Sources:

WLOS (wlos.com)

North Carolina Department of Transportation (DriveNC.gov)

WNCTimes