Wrong-way driver charged in deadly crash involving tractor trailer on I-85, troopers say

CHARLOTTE — One person is dead and two others were seriously hurt in a crash that closed Interstate 85 for hours on Saturday morning.

The Charlotte Fire Department said it responded to a deadly crash involving a tractor trailer that overturned and caught fire on I-85 before Interstate 485 near Concord before 2:30 a.m.

All lanes of traffic were open by 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation cautioned that three miles of congestion remained.

Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said a person was driving north in the southbound lanes of I-85 when the crash occurred.

The driver of the tractor trailer died in the crash, troopers said. The wrong-way driver and the driver of a third car were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Troopers said the wrong-way driver has been charged with DUI and additional charges are likely.

No additional information was made available on the victims or the suspect.

All lanes of I-85 were closed until about 5 a.m.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

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