Deadly tractor-trailer crash blocks I-85 in west Charlotte for hours

CHARLOTTE — A deadly crash had a portion of Interstate 85 closed for hours early Wednesday in west Charlotte.

Department of Transportation officials told Channel 9 around 3:15 a.m. that the southbound lanes of I-85 were blocked near Exit 34, close to Freedom Drive.

The DOT expected the lanes to remain closed until at least 7 a.m. By 6:50 a.m., three lanes had reopened but holiday traffic was backed up for miles.

The Highway Patrol said the wreck happened after 2 a.m. and MEDIC told Channel 9 two people were killed and another person was injured. No other information has been released.

Channel 9 crews on the scene could see a badly damaged tractor-trailer. Police and troopers also had Queen City Drive blocked.

The tractor-trailer appeared to be hauling mail, and some of that mail was scattered across the interstate. A USPS official told Channel 9 the mail was recovered and taken to a postal facility for processing.

A detour was set up and drivers were being told to take Exit 38 to I-77 southbound, follow I-77 south to Exit 9-C (US-74 west), and then take Exit 9-C to US-74 west. Follow US-74 west to the on-ramp for I-485 inner, turn left onto the on-ramp for I-485 inner, follow I-485 inner to the on-ramp for I-85 and then take the on-ramp for I-85 to re-access I-85 at Exit 30.

No other information has been released.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

(WATCH BELOW: Deadly crash shuts down portion of I-77 near I-85 in north Charlotte)

Deadly crash shuts down portion of I-77 near I-85 in north Charlotte

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