One person was killed and several others were injured after an accident involving an overturned tanker and a tractor-trailer Friday morning.
The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. near Mallard Creek Road, prompting crews to close both directions of the loop. I-485 received a full response around 5:30 p.m
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigation revealed that the collision involved three passenger cars and two commercial vehicles.
According to troopers, the first collision occurred on the inner loop between a passenger car and a commercial vehicle. This caused the tractor-trailer to drive left of center, through the center cables, into oncoming traffic on the outer loop of I-485.
The first tractor-trailer then collided head-on with another tractor-trailer. Another passenger vehicle then made contact with one of the tractors on the outer loop side.
Here’s a timelapse of how bad traffic got on I-485 this morning as it was closed due to the fatal crash involving two tractor-trailers. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/aSNGZqMyVU
— Eli Brand (@EliBrandTV) June 21, 2024
The driver of the first tractor-trailer, later identified as Darrell Lee Buelin, died at the scene.
The other driver of the other tractor-trailer was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
MEDIC took four others to hospital with minor injuries.
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Troopers said at this time the collision remains under investigation, but speed or alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors.
However, charges are still pending and will be filed once the investigation is complete.
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