Jonathan Zacarias, Gabriel Zacarias, and Beancy Flores Death, Obituary, NEWTON GROVE, N.C.: Killed in Wrong-Way Head-On Crash on I-40 in Sampson County, NC Investigation Continues

NEWTON GROVE, N.C. — A wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Sampson County early Saturday morning left three people dead and another hospitalized in serious condition, marking one of the most devastating collisions in the region this year.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet Camaro entered the westbound lanes of I-40 traveling in the wrong direction near Newton Grove before striking a Honda Accord head-on. The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, and one of them became engulfed in flames.

Authorities identified the deceased as Jonathan Toxtle Zacarias, 21, and Gabriel Toxtle Zacarias, 20, both from Fayetteville, along with 14-year-old Beancy Rivas Flores, who was also inside one of the vehicles. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fourth individual, the driver of the Honda Accord, was airlifted to a regional trauma center with serious injuries. Their identity has not been released as investigators work to notify family members.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has not released a cause for the crash but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Troopers are reviewing whether the Camaro was traveling at highway speed in the wrong direction, and whether impairment, fatigue, or roadway entry error contributed to the incident.

Wrong-way crashes on divided highways are among the most severe types of roadway collisions due to the combined speed and impact forces involved. Interstate 40 through Sampson County is a heavily traveled corridor connecting eastern and central North Carolina.

Officials have not indicated whether criminal charges will be filed.