Sampson County, NC (November 01, 2026) - Breezy A. Hernandez, 20, of Harrells, died in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on U.S. 421 in Sampson County, North Carolina. The truck’s driver, Lawa A. Dowdell, 30, of Leland, was taken to Sampson Regional Medical Center with injuries reported as not life-threatening.

The collision happened at approximately 7:37 a.m. Sunday near River Road and Bestwood Lane. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Hernandez’s northbound 1999 Toyota pickup crossed the centerline and struck Dowdell’s southbound 2019 Freightliner tractor-trailer head-on.

The impact sent both vehicles just off the roadway, where they caught fire. Authorities said the tractor-trailer’s hazardous cargo remained contained and did not ignite. The scene was near 10196 Taylors Bridge Highway, north of Union Elementary School and the Delway community.

Taylors Bridge Fire Department handled the primary fire response, assisted by the Harrells and Clinton fire departments. Fayetteville Fire Department’s Regional Response Team 3 assisted with the hazardous cargo, and the State Hazardous Materials Unit was called to the scene. Sampson County hazardous materials personnel also responded.

Other responding agencies included Sampson County Emergency Services, county EMS, the sheriff’s office, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Highway Patrol and North Carolina Emergency Management. Clinton Fire Department and Pender County Fire & EMS provided coverage for additional calls in the Taylors Bridge and Harrells fire districts.

Homes and businesses within a half-mile of the collision were evacuated as a precaution. The fire was extinguished by 8:37 a.m. According to Sampson County Emergency Management Director Joshua Deaver, the evacuation area was reduced around 11 a.m. after crews determined that no hazardous materials had been released. Perry Drive, Virginia Drive and Kilby Drive remained affected during that phase of the response. Temporary shelter was offered at Taylors Bridge Fire Department.

The evacuation ended Sunday, and U.S. 421 reopened around 5 p.m.

Troopers said both drivers wore seat belts and speed was not believed to have contributed to the collision. At the time of the initial reports, the Highway Patrol was investigating the crash, including whether impairment played a role.

Collision Injuries and Hazardous Cargo Exposure

Authorities reported that the hazardous cargo remained contained in the U.S. 421 collision, while Dowdell was taken to the hospital with injuries. Cargo containment addresses whether the material escaped; it does not resolve the effects of the head-on impact. An injury inquiry can concern harm from the collision itself rather than chemical exposure.

Hazardous materials findings and medical findings answer different questions. The emergency response addressed the cargo and surrounding area, while an injured person’s treatment records describe the injuries assessed and care provided. A tractor trailer accident lawyer can assess collision-related treatment expenses without treating the evacuation as evidence of chemical injury. Accident-related doctor and hospital bills may be included in a bodily injury claim, subject to legal responsibility and applicable coverage.

Help With Injuries After a Tanker Collision

Someone receiving care after a tanker collision can seek legal help with the injuries they actually sustained, without first establishing a cargo leak. A conversation can clarify whether an injury claim may be available and whether it could address accident-related treatment expenses.