UPDATE 4:30 p.m. October 4—————————————————————–
Following investigation into a fiery semi truck crash that killed a truck driver in Charlotte, North Carolina, this morning, police have changed their initial report report about the cause of the crash.
Troopers initially said that a semi truck traveling on northbound I-485 was hit by a car, sending the truck crashing into a bridge pillar and causing it to catch fire, killing the truck driver.
Now troopers say that the initial report was incorrect and that the semi truck collided with an abandoned car.
The owner of the car said that they were on the way to a job interview when the car became disabled. The car owner reported that they turned on hazard lights and pulled the car as far over on the shoulder as possible, and left the scene.
It isn’t clear whether the car was still partially in the active lanes of the interstate when it was abandoned, though WSOCTV reports that one witness reported that the car was partially obstructing a lane.
Troopers say that no charges have been filed at this time.
Police have not yet released the name of the truck driver but they did reveal that he is from Georgia.
LATEST: Troopers made contact with the driver of that car. Driver says the car broke down and he left it so he could get to a job interview. They are investigating whether it was left in the roadway or or not @WBTV_News https://t.co/i3xdm5xQww
— Caroline Hicks WBTV (@CarolineHicksTV) October 4, 2019
ORIGINAL REPORT—————————————————————————–
Police in North Carolina say that a search is underway for a motorist who is responsible for causing crash that claimed a truck driver’s life this morning.
The crash happened in northeastern Charlotte, North Carolina, around 10 a.m. on Friday, October 4.
MASSIVE accident and truck up in flames on I-485 just below the Northlake Center, Parkway bridge.
One of the most frightening things I’ve ever seen. Praying the driver made it out but I didn’t see anybody…. pic.twitter.com/ukl6yrVxHY
— 홴횖횒횕횢 홺횘횣횎횕 (@EmilyKozel) October 4, 2019
Police say that a semi truck was traveling on outer northbound I-485 when a car crashed into the truck, causing it to swerve off the road, hit a bridge pillar, overturn, and burst into flames.
The semi truck was fully engulfed in flames and the truck driver did not make it out of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Driver being sought in fiery crash that killed tractor-trailer operator on I-485 https://t.co/qHae6M6ETZ
— Jack VanderToll (@JackVandertoll) October 4, 2019
The car driver left their vehicle at the crash site and ran away on foot into a wooded area.
Hey Patrol says this vehicle caused the accident then the driver jumped out and ran. Police are searching for the driver and dusting the car for prints. @FOX46News pic.twitter.com/EkKAqcHS7x
— JenyneDonaldsonFox46 (@JenyneDonaldson) October 4, 2019
Police are using a helicopter and canine unit to find the car driver.
The car driver could be facing felony death by motor vehicle charges, WECT reports.
The fire was so massive that black smoke could be seen from a mile away.
The crash shut down all lanes of the outer loop and two lanes of the inner loop, causing miles-long traffic backups. Transportation officials say all lanes should reopen by 2:30 p.m.