ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — Two separate tractor-trailer crashes in the same area early Saturday forced the closure of all westbound lanes of Interstate 26 near Exit 37, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

^{Photo credit: Cooper Foster}

Troopers said the first crash happened around 4:37 a.m. when a westbound tractor-trailer lost control near Exit 37, ran off the roadway to the right, and struck a guardrail before going down an embankment.

Officials said the driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mission Hospital.

^{Photo credit: Cooper Foster}

A second crash occurred at approximately 7:03 a.m. in the same location, Highway Patrol said. Troopers reported another tractor-trailer ran off the road to the left and struck a median barrier, then rode up onto the barrier and hit a vehicle traveling eastbound. A third vehicle was also struck by debris, according to officials.

^{Photo credit: Cooper Foster}

Authorities said no injuries were reported in the second crash, but a hazmat team responded due to a fuel spill.

Officials said I-26 eastbound was temporarily closed to repair the median barrier and clear debris. DriveNC reported the interstate was expected to reopen by 6:30 p.m.

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