Vehicles damaged after big rig loses axle on I-77 in north Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troopers had to close several lanes of Interstate 77 early Thursday morning in north Charlotte after they said a tractor-trailer lost its axle after striking a concrete barrier, scattering debris across the roadway.

Officials said the incident happened around 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-77, near the Cindy Lane Bridge between Interstate 85 and Sunset Road.

Troopers said that when the big rig hit the barrier wall, its trailer axle was ripped away, coming to a rest in the middle of the interstate.

[PHOTOS: Big rig scatters debris across I-77]

Three drivers hit it, damaging their vehicles, and paramedics took two of them to the hospital with minor injuries.

Only one northbound lane of I-77 was open as troopers investigated and crews worked to clean up the debris.

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