A devastating wrong-way crash in the early hours of Friday morning, May 17, 2025, claimed the life of one man and sent another to the hospital, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The fiery collision occurred around 2:30 a.m. near Exit 42 on Interstate 77, just outside of Troutman, and involved multiple vehicles, including a pickup truck and a semi-trailer.
Authorities say 31-year-old Eric Anthony Pompa of Layton, Utah, was driving a pickup truck southbound in the northbound lanes of I-77 when he collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.
The impact was severe and immediately triggered a blaze that engulfed the semi-truck, as seen in dramatic video footage obtained by Iredell Firewire. Despite being properly restrained with a seat belt, Pompa was ejected from his vehicle during the crash.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The sheer force of the collision and the resulting fire made the crash particularly difficult for first responders to manage.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who has not been publicly identified, was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Thankfully, authorities report that the driver is expected to recover from injuries sustained in the crash.
Troopers believe impairment may have played a role in the tragic incident. While the investigation remains ongoing, the initial findings suggest that Pompa’s ability to drive safely was likely compromised, leading him to travel the wrong way on the interstate.
However, no criminal charges will be filed, given that Pompa was the individual responsible and perished in the crash. In the hours following the accident, the northbound lanes of I-77 were closed to traffic as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene and clear the wreckage.
The aftermath caused significant delays through the Friday morning commute, with transportation officials warning motorists to seek alternative routes until the lanes could be safely reopened.
Scenes from the crash site were harrowing. Video footage circulating on local news and social media showed flames towering above the semi-truck, emergency crews working tirelessly, and a charred wreckage that served as a grim reminder of the dangers of impaired or reckless driving.
Eric Anthony Pompa’s death marks another tragic statistic in the ongoing struggle against impaired driving in North Carolina and across the country. Though details about his personal life remain limited at this time, his loss is certain to leave a void in the lives of those who knew him.
This accident also highlights the grave risks posed by wrong-way drivers. Such incidents, while relatively rare, often result in catastrophic outcomes due to the high speeds and direct impacts involved. According to transportation safety experts, most wrong-way collisions are linked to driver confusion, fatigue, or impairment.
As the investigation continues, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and other authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and always pay close attention to signage and road markings—especially in the early hours of the morning when visibility is low and fatigue can impair judgment.
The crash near Troutman is a tragic reminder that even a single poor decision behind the wheel can lead to irreversible consequences. Authorities hope that increased public awareness and continued enforcement will help prevent future tragedies like this one
