The big rig accident took place at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday near mile marker 66 in Polk County.
According to local news sources, 49-year-old Donnie Jones was driving down a steep grade outside of Columbus, North Carolina on I-26 when he believed his truck suffered from equipment failure. He jumped from the vehicle, which crashed into a guardrail and some shrubbery more than a mile down the road. Debris from the NC truck accident caused four other vehicles, and also trucks, to have accidents.
Jones suffered serious injuries when jumping from the truck. He was taken by helicopter to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Another truck driver was also airlifted with serious injuries. He was transported to Mission Hospital. Three other drivers also required medical attention and were taken to local hospitals via ambulance.
The North Carolina truck accident is still under investigation as officials try to determine in the truck did indeed have failing brakes or other mechanical issues. No charges have been filed against the trucker who leapt from his cab.