Truckers Faced an Hours-Long I-85 Closure in Gaston County, N.C., After a Deadly Crash Between Two Tractor-Trailers
Truckers running I-85 through the Charlotte area faced a long closure early Monday after a deadly crash involving two tractor-trailers in Gaston County, N.C. The crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, on I-85 North just past Exit 23 to McAdenville Road, WBTV reported.
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What officials said
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the two tractor-trailers struck each other, WCNC reported.
Gaston County paramedics confirmed that one person died. Another person was taken to the hospital and was expected to survive, according to WBTV.
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WCNC, citing Gaston EMS, reported that the second person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Gastonia police called the crash "major" and warned that traffic "will only get worse" through Monday's rush hour. In another post, police said, "rush hour will be messy." A large first responder presence gathered near the Exit 23 ramps, WBTV reported.
Officials have not said how the crash happened. Big Rig Daily is not naming anyone involved.
The closure
I-85 North was closed at Exit 23 for several hours. The northbound lanes reopened around 9 a.m., WBTV reported, although a few law enforcement vehicles stayed near the ramps for a while after.
Quick facts
- When: About 2:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.
- Where: I-85 North just past Exit 23 (McAdenville Road), Gaston County, N.C.
- Vehicles: Two tractor-trailers, according to the State Highway Patrol as reported by WCNC.
- Toll: One person died; one person was hospitalized.
- Reopened: About 9 a.m.
- Cause: Not yet released by officials.
Planning around closures
A closure of several hours can upend a day's plan. The hours of service break calculator can help rework a schedule, and the North Carolina truck stop and weigh station map shows places to park and wait. For breakdowns along the corridor, see I-85 North Carolina truck towing and mobile repair.
A question for readers
When an interstate closes overnight on your route, do you wait it out or look for a detour?
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