News Summary
A tragic accident on I-40 West near Page Road in Durham led to the death of Brijette Basden and injuries to her sister, Asrael Basden. The sisters had exited their vehicle to switch drivers when a passing car struck them. The incident caused significant traffic delays and an extensive investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking witnesses. The importance of roadside safety has been underscored by this tragic event.
Durham, North Carolina – Fatal Crash on I-40 West Near Page Road
A fatal traffic crash on Interstate 40 West near Page Road in Durham resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to her sister early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 4:45 a.m., prompting an extensive investigation and causing significant traffic delays.
Sequence of Events
The crash involved two sisters, Brijette Basden, 24, of Kernersville, and her sibling, Asrael Basden. According to reports, the sisters were driving a Ford Fusion when they stopped their vehicle on the shoulder of I-40 West, partially blocking the roadway. The reason for stopping was to switch driving duties between them. Both exited their car while parked on or near the highway.
While standing outside the vehicle, they were struck by a passing 2003 Toyota Camry. The impact was severe and resulted in the death of Brijette Basden. Her sister, Asrael Basden, sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Chain Reaction and Traffic Impact
The initial collision triggered a chain reaction involving a 2021 Camry. This vehicle was also traveling westbound on I-40 and collided with the vehicle involved in the initial crash. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured during this secondary collision.
The crash caused all westbound lanes of I-40 to be closed for several hours as authorities conducted the investigation. Traffic congestion in the area was heavy throughout the morning, with backups reported until about 11 a.m. when lanes began to reopen gradually. The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued alerts to inform drivers of the lane closures and advised alternative routes to navigate around the incident area.
Investigations and Charges
The Durham Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. As of now, no charges have been filed against any individuals involved. Authorities are actively seeking any witnesses or persons with relevant information about the incident.
Officials encourage anyone who may have seen the crash or has pertinent information to contact Investigator G. Munter at (919) 560-4935 x 29448 or reach out through Durham CrimeStoppers. The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to determine all factors contributing to this tragic event.
Background and Context
Traffic incidents involving pedestrians or individuals outside vehicles on busy highways can be particularly tragic due to the high speeds and limited reaction times available to passing drivers. Authorities repeatedly stress the importance of staying inside a vehicle until it is safe to exit and of using designated pull-over areas when possible. Such precautions help reduce the risk of fatal accidents and ensure safety for all road users.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with roadside stops on busy interstate highways and underscores the importance of caution and adherence to traffic safety protocols. The city of Durham continues to work with state agencies to improve roadway safety and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
Summary of Key Facts
- The crash occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Sunday morning on I-40 West near Page Road in Durham.
- The incident involved Brijette Basden, 24, of Kernersville, and her sister, Asrael Basden.
- The sisters exited their vehicle, a Ford Fusion, which was partially in the roadway, to switch driving duties.
- While standing outside the vehicle, they were struck by a passing 2003 Toyota Camry.
- The collision resulted in the death of Brijette Basden and injuries to Asrael Basden, who was hospitalized but with non-life-threatening injuries.
- A second vehicle, a 2021 Camry, collided with the first after the initial crash.
- All westbound lanes of I-40 were closed for several hours, causing heavy traffic congestion until about 11 a.m.
- The Durham Police Department is investigating; no charges have been filed at this time.
- Authorities request anyone with information to contact Investigator G. Munter or Durham CrimeStoppers.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Woman Killed, Sister Injured in I-40 Westbound Crash
- Google Search: Durham I-40 Crash October 2025
- CBS17: I-40 West Closed in Durham County Due to Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Hoodline: Tragic Early Morning Crash on I-40 in Durham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Accident
- WRAL: Crash on I-40 East in Durham
- Google News: Durham Traffic Accident
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
