Pack says there were 20 minor injuries but no fatalities. He says it's not clear what caused the first pileup.

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The first crash happened around 6 p.m. during strong storms and troopers said rubberneckers contributed to the others.

One woman who narrowly avoided a crash explained what happened.

“Basically the sun was shining on the road and there was a light rain and it was so bright on the road, there was a glare and everybody had to come to a halt,” she said.

Drivers said they saw so many tow trucks they lost count.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported around 8:45 p.m. that I-40 West/I-85 South was closed at an exit near Burlington. It reopened around 11:15 p.m.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com