I-85 Crash in North Charlotte Leaves One Seriously Injured, Lanes Now Reopened

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A major crash on Interstate 85 in north Charlotte on Sunday left one person seriously injured and caused heavy traffic backups as multiple southbound lanes were blocked for over an hour.

Crash Near Exit 39 Sparks Emergency Response

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after noon when a crash occurred on I-85 South near Exit 39 for Statesville Road. The incident led to an immediate shutdown of multiple lanes and prompted a large-scale response from local authorities and medical personnel.

Severe Traffic Delays Follow Incident

By 12:40 p.m., traffic had backed up as far as Sugar Creek Road. The delays raised concerns for Sunday travelers and commuters in the area, as responders worked to secure the crash site and assist the injured.

One Person Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries

Medic officials confirmed that one individual involved in the crash sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care. No additional information about the victim has been released at this time.

Detours and Route Recommendations Issued

Motorists were urged to steer clear of I-85 South during the response. The North Carolina Department of Transportation recommended using Statesville Road and I-77 as alternate routes while the interstate remained closed.

All Lanes Reopened by 1:30 p.m.

Thanks to the swift response from crews, all lanes of I-85 South were cleared and reopened to traffic by 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. However, residual delays were still being reported in the early afternoon as traffic gradually normalized.

Stay Safe and Informed

For those commuting through Charlotte, it’s important to stay alert to live traffic conditions and road closures. Download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and activate push notifications for timely updates on traffic, weather, and breaking news impacting your area.

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