A fatal multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 26 eastbound in Asheville, North Carolina, prompted a major highway closure on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026. The incident resulted in at least one reported fatality, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, as emergency responders attended the scene.
The crash occurred near Exit 37 in Buncombe County, prompting authorities to close the eastbound lanes while troopers and other emergency personnel responded. The incident caused significant traffic disruption, with motorists experiencing backups along the interstate.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the incident was first reported at approximately 2:31 p.m. on Thursday. Officials initially implemented a closure at Exit 37 before subsequently changing the closure location to Exit 33 in Asheville.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that troopers were at the scene of the multiple-vehicle collision involving a fatality. Authorities indicated that additional information would be released after troopers had cleared the scene.
The highway closure affected traffic moving through the Asheville area, with drivers facing delays as emergency crews worked at the crash site. Motorists travelling eastbound on I-26 were advised to pay attention to traffic updates and follow instructions from authorities.
As of the report’s latest update at 3:32 p.m., officials had not released further details about the vehicles involved, the identity of the person who died or whether other people sustained injuries. The cause of the collision also remained undetermined.
Authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses. The incident highlights the serious consequences of highway collisions and the importance of exercising caution when travelling through active crash scenes.
Motorists in Buncombe County were urged to monitor official North Carolina Department of Transportation traffic updates for information about the closure and any changes to traffic conditions.