Troopers: Drunk driver hospitalized in violent, fiery I-85 crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person was critically injured in a violent crash early Friday morning on Interstate 85 in north Charlotte, and investigators told Channel 9 that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the wreck.

The crash happened around 3 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-85 near North Graham Street.

Troopers said a van collided with an unoccupied car on the shoulder of the interstate, which caused that car to then burst into flames.

The interstate was closed for nearly 90 minutes as troopers investigated. They told Channel 9 that the driver of the van was drunk.

No names have been released.

By 4:30 a.m. two northbound lanes reopened as well as the ramp from I-77 to I-85.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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