Box truck runs out of fuel, causing deadly I-77 crash, officials say

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — A box truck ran out of fuel Wednesday morning while traveling in the northbound lanes of Interstate 77 in Huntersville, causing a deadly crash, officials said.

The driver of the truck stopped in the center lane on I-77 near exit 19, and an SUV crashed into the back of it, officials said.

The driver of the SUV, a 26-year-old man from Charlotte, died in the wreck, which shut down all lanes near the Hambright Road bridge. Officials have not yet released his name.

MEDIC took the truck driver to Carolinas Medical Center in Huntersville with minor injuries.

A medical helicopter landed on the interstate to assist in the rescue effort, officials said.

Investigators said they will check the computer in the SUV to determine the vehicle’s speed and to see if the driver was braking at the time of the crash.

Authorities said that weather was not a factor and that there were no skid marks at the crash scene.

Police told Channel 9 that they do not believe charges will be filed.

The interstate reopened around 11 a.m.

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