CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troopers had to close several lanes of Interstate 77 early Thursday morning in north Charlotte after they said a tractor-trailer lost its axle after striking a concrete barrier, scattering debris across the roadway.
Officials said the incident happened around 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-77, near the Cindy Lane Bridge between Interstate 85 and Sunset Road.
Troopers said that when the big rig hit the barrier wall, its trailer axle was ripped away, coming to a rest in the middle of the interstate.
[PHOTOS: Big rig scatters debris across I-77]
Three drivers hit it, damaging their vehicles, and paramedics took two of them to the hospital with minor injuries.
Only one northbound lane of I-77 was open as troopers investigated and crews worked to clean up the debris.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- 18-year-old found shot, killed behind Charlotte elementary school
- The Latest: Islamic State Group claims London attacker was their soldier
- Vehicles damaged after big rig loses axle on I-77 in north Charlotte
- FORECAST VIDEO: Keith Monday's Thursday forecast
- Man fends off would-be carjacker at Wesley Chapel shopping center
- VIDEO: It's National Puppy Day