Authorities said the wreck happened just after 11 a.m. along U.S. 70, across from a Wendy's restaurant.
According to Lt. R.W. Bridges of the Clayton Police Department, one vehicle was westbound on U.S. 70 and attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection of the highway and Bowling Street. The vehicle turned in front of a tractor-trailer which was entering the intersection on a green light.
Bridges said the truck driver did not have enough time to stop before striking the vehicle and propelling it a significant distance into the eastbound lanes.
The tractor-trailer struck a second vehicle on Bowling Street and ran off the road into an embankment, striking a telephone pole.
Four people were reportedly in the vehicle making the U-turn. They are listed in serious but stable condition at WakeMed.
Traffic was reduced to one lane on U.S. 70 at N.C. 42 near Clayton. State engineers anticipate that U.S. 70 East will reopen to traffic late Thursday.
Power was restored to east Clayton about an hour after the wreck.
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