Monday, April 20, 2015

3 DEAD WHEN A BMW REAR-ENDS A TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCK AT 100 MPH SPEED ON I-77 IN NORTH CAROLINA




APRIL 20, 2015
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.

State troopers had to close all northbound lanes of Interstate 77 near uptown early Monday morning for nearly three hours after three people were killed in a crash involving a tractor-trailer.
Investigators told Channel 9 it was one of the worst crashes they've seen in a long time.

Officials told Channel 9 a BMW slammed into the back of the big rig at a high rate of speed around 1:45 a.m. on I-77 near Clanton Road and became pinned under it.

All three people killed were in the BMW, according to troopers. Their names have not yet been released but officials said all three were males ranging in age between 25 and 35 years old.

Nobody in the tractor-trailer was hurt.

Investigators said the BMW was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph but were not sure if alcohol played a role. Troopers did tell Channel 9 that it appeared weather was not a contributing factor.

Officials said the driver of the tractor-trailer felt something but thought it may have been a flat tire and ended up dragging the BMW more than 1,500 feet before stopping. Crews had to use a crane to lift the tractor-trailer off the BMW.

All lanes of the interstate were reopened just before 5:30 a.m.