I 85 Accident Today Cabarrus County, NC — A significant traffic incident on Interstate 85 Saturday has left more than 100 vehicles, including approximately 30 tractor-trailers, stranded amid snowy conditions, prompting a full highway shutdown and emergency response, authorities confirmed.
The collision involving a tractor-trailer and a car occurred around 4:30 p.m. north of Exit 63 to Lane Street, leading to an immediate backup as traffic ground to a halt on the busy northbound corridor of I-85. While the initial crash reportedly involved only those two vehicles, worsening winter weather soon compounded the situation, with snow and ice making roadways treacherous and preventing many drivers from moving their vehicles. Troopers said that more than 100 vehicles became stuck on the interstate, some of them immobilized by the deepening snow and unable to turn around or get to safety. Recovery efforts were expected to take hours, possibly extending into Sunday morning. Tow trucks, plows and the National Guard were called in to help free stranded motorists and clear the highway.
State Highway Patrol has not yet released information on injuries tied to the initial crash or the subsequent traffic stoppage, and early reports did not disclose details about any serious injuries from the pile-up. With crews battling both the crash scene and severe winter conditions, motorists were cautioned to avoid travel on I-85 near Kannapolis and Concord until the roadway is fully reopened and safe for passage.
The ongoing closure has triggered delays and detours for drivers attempting to navigate around the affected stretch of interstate, which serves as a critical north-south route through the Carolina region. Authorities stressed that weather and road conditions have played a central role in the severity of the backup, underscoring hazards posed by winter storms and high traffic volumes on major highways like I-85.
This remains an active and developing situation; further updates are expected as emergency crews continue clearing the scene and officials release additional information.
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