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6 killed, 1 injured in crash that closed section of I-485, officials say

CHARLOTTE — Six people were killed and one person was injured in a crash on Interstate 485 Outer Loop, MEDIC said.

The road is back open after the crash closed a stretch of the interstate.

The accident took place under the Dixie River Bridge on I-485. The two cars that were involved in the accident appeared to have been shredded. The collision happened around 11:30 a.m., impacting traffic around the airport.

“I took the smaller roads that not a lot of people know about since we drive the roads often so we know all the shortcuts,” said Wessel Tonkin, an Uber driver.

Troopers said a Honda CR-V and a Chrysler Minivan collided and drifted to the right, striking a tractor trailer that was parked on the side of the road. Troopers said the truck was not harmed and is not at fault.

Only one person was in the Honda. That occupant was killed.

Troopers said a total of six people were in the Chrysler. Five of them were killed. All of the victims were pronounced dead on the scene.

MEDIC said it responded to the crash around 11:45 a.m.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that the interstate was closed near Wilkinson Boulevard around 11:50 a.m. Saturday.

Multiple agencies responded, MEDIC said. Several ambulances and the MEDIC mass casualties bus were seen at the scene.

A 16-year-old in the Chrysler survived. She was taken to the hospital and her injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.

Many motorists are thinking about the tough challenges that may lie ahead for those impacted by the crash.

“When everyone in your car dies but you, I don’t know how you can handle that,” said Grant Goodwin, a motorist.

Troopers spent most of the day trying to contact the victim’s family and trying to determine what caused the accident.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.


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