Truck Driver Killed In Fiery Two Tractor Trailer Head On Crash
A truck driver lost his life in South Carolina last night when his rig crossed over into oncoming traffic and collided with another semi truck.
PPL stuck in the aftermath on I-85 tell me the semis are still on fire. Freeway at a standstill and they might not make it out before the AM pic.twitter.com/O2fkrY2M3T
— CamMan Ron Lee (@WBTVCamMan) June 14, 2017
Semi Crashed Through Cable Barrier Into Oncoming Traffic
The crash happened just after 8 p.m. on I-85 in Cherokee County. Near mile marker 106, a northbound semi veered off of the interstate, drove through the median and cable barrier, then crossed over into southbound traffic. There, the truck collided with a southbound tractor trailer and both trucks caught fire. Smoke from the crash was visible for miles.
Good Samaritans pulled the driver and a passenger out of the southbound truck. The driver of the northbound truck died in the crash.
BREAKING: One confirmed dead as two tractor-trailers collide on I-85 near Carolina state line. Multiple vehicles on fire. pic.twitter.com/oa2FWQCMZD
— NBC Charlotte (@wcnc) June 14, 2017
Witness: Truck Blew Tire Seconds Before Crash
Investigators say that they are not sure what caused the truck driver to lose control and leave the roadway. However, a witness says that he saw the truck blow a tire moments before the crash.
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said “The victim was burned beyond recognition. I will rely on dental records for identification.”
The crash caused major traffic disruptions. Northbound I-85 reopened around 1:30 a.m. One southbound lane of I-85 reopened around 9 a.m. today, but the fiery crash caused damage to the roadway and 400 feet of guardrail. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has called in a contractor to begin emergency repair work.
Photo from @Rachelle7NEWS shows wreckage to be cleaned up before reopening I-85 SB near Blacksburg, SC. Lanes closed for about 11 hours now. pic.twitter.com/SMGqCK0Rrq
— Fred Cunningham (@fredontv) June 14, 2017