Car crash briefly shuts down Interstate 40

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Westbound lane of I-40 was briefly shut down Monday afternoon after a traffic accident.

State Troopers said Beczabi Lopez was driving around 5 p.m. when the back right tire of his 2000 Explorer exploded. Lopez lost control, struck the median cable, and overturned several times.

Three people in the back seat, a 4-year-old, an 11-year-old and an adult were ejected from the car. Two helicopters landed on the Interstate to transport them to the hospital.

Lopez is charged with driving without a license and child restraint violations.