JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – One of the three people who died after a flatbed truck lost control on I-40 in Johnston County Wednesday has been identified. 

  • Three people are confirmed dead.
  • Nine vehicles were involved, including a tractor trailer and a flatbed utility truck.
  • Accident caused lanes to be closed for several hours.

Highway Patrol says Michael Peters, 64, was killed when the Volkswagen he was driving was struck by the flatbed. 

The accident, which involved nine vehicles including a tractor trailer and the flatbed utility truck hauling lumber, closed traffic completely in both directions for several hours near exit 319 near Benson. 

Officials say the driver of the flatbed utility truck failed to reduce speed for stopped traffic and hit several vehicles which caused a chain-reaction of multiple crashes.

The driver of the flatbed has been identified as William Van Oneal, 61, of Garner. He has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor death.

The identities of the other two people who died have not been released, pending confirmation from the state medical examiner's office. 

 
At least two cars on the scene caught fire.
 
 
Multiple people were also injured. Their names have not yet been released.
 
State Highway Patrol is still investigating.