Alcohol, Speeding Suspected in Crash That Closed I-40

Brian Reynolds, 44, of Kenly, was driving a 2004 Nissan at at least 90 mph in the middle lane of I-40 eastbound shortly after 6:30 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, police said.

A car changed lanes in front of Reynolds and he lost control of his car, Officer M.K. Ford wrote. The car crossed three lanes of eastbound traffic and went through the median.

A police report completed Sunday said officers suspected Reynolds had been using alcohol. Tests results were pending, the report stated.

Reynolds' car struck a 2005 Chevrolet head-on in the middle lane of I-40 westbound. The Chevrolet was driven by Robin Mitchell, 40, of Cary.

Officials said a third vehicle, a 2007 Toyota driven by Don Faircloth, 52, was also slightly damaged during the collision. Two unidentified passengers were in the Toyota.

Reynolds, Mitchell and Tammy H. Graham, 44, of Wilson, a passenger in Reynolds' car, had to be extricated from their vehicles.

Ambulances took all three to WakeMed.

Reynolds was still in the emergency room Sunday morning, hospital officials said. Mitchell was listed as being in intensive care. Graham's condition was unavailable.

The lane closure created a major traffic tie-up around the Gorman Street exit, officials said.

Traffic was detoured while the westbound lanes of I-40 were shut down for more than two hours. Eastbound lanes were also shut down for a short period of time.