3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Disaster struck on Tuesday afternoon as a blazing inferno unfolded on Interstate 85, leading to a complete shutdown of the highway. The incident sent shockwaves on August 1st, near the North Carolina-Virginia state line, specifically in Warren County.

According to the NC Highway Patrol, the calamity unfolded when a tractor-trailer hauling yogurt, traveling at a speed of 70 mph, collided with the rear of another tractor-trailer hauling flooring, which was traveling at 60 mph. Fortunately, both truck drivers were able to safely exit their cabs before the truck carrying the yogurt suddenly erupted in flames. Tragically, the fire rapidly spread to the truck transporting the flooring. In the aftermath, both tractor-trailers were left completely consumed by the relentless blaze, necessitating the use of bulldozers to clear the charred remnants.

As of the latest update by WRAL News, the roadway remained closed at 2:15 p.m., causing significant disruptions to traffic flow. Commuters seeking passage through the affected area are advised to utilize Exit 233 (U.S. 401 South) onto U.S. 1 South, followed by a right turn onto Manson Drewry Road to re-access I-85 South. This catastrophic collision serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by truck drivers and the potential consequences of high-speed impacts. The swift actions of the drivers to escape their vehicles before the fire engulfed them highlights their quick thinking and presence of mind in the face of danger. Authorities and emergency response teams worked diligently to control the blaze and mitigate further risks to public safety.

As the investigation unfolds, determining the cause of the collision will be of paramount importance, aiding in the development of preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future. The affected stretch of Interstate 85 remains a testament to the destructive power of fire, with hopes of restoring normalcy and safe passage for motorists as soon as possible.