Four Killed in Fiery Crash That Shut Down I-40 in Forsyth County for Over Six Hours
FORSYTH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — A devastating crash on Interstate 40 left four people dead Sunday evening after a car traveling at a high speed veered off the roadway and struck a bridge pillar, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The fatal collision occurred around 7:05 p.m. on October 12 near Cole Road, when a 2021 Honda Accord reportedly ran off the right side of the highway “at a high rate of speed” before hitting the bridge support. The impact caused the car to burst into flames, killing all four occupants at the scene.
Victims Identified by State Highway Patrol
Investigators identified the driver as 23-year-old Davian Jacob Silvestri of Goldsboro, North Carolina. The three passengers — 18-year-old Elijah Brown, 18-year-old Deandre Dwayne Wimley, and 21-year-old Marcus Phifer, all from Virginia — also died in the fiery crash.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said early findings indicate that excessive speed played a significant role in the deadly accident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash and whether any other contributing factors were involved.
Highway Closed for Hours During Investigation
The section of I-40 near Cole Road remained closed for over six hours Sunday night as troopers and emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames and investigate the scene. Traffic was rerouted while authorities conducted a full reconstruction of the crash.
Local residents reported seeing heavy smoke and flashing emergency lights from miles away as law enforcement secured the area. Crews reopened the interstate early Monday morning after the vehicle was removed and debris cleared.
Community Reacts to Tragic Loss
The deaths have shocked both North Carolina and Virginia communities, with friends and family of the victims expressing grief on social media. Several local organizations have reminded drivers to stay cautious, emphasizing that high-speed driving can quickly turn fatal, especially on major interstates like I-40.
Officials continue to urge motorists to obey posted speed limits and avoid aggressive driving behaviors, noting that even momentary lapses in judgment can have irreversible consequences.
Authorities have not released further details pending the results of the full investigation, but additional updates are expected in the coming days.
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