CHARLOTTE — A large portion of Interstate 85 in north Charlotte was blocked for hours on Tuesday morning after a tanker truck crashed and flipped on its side.
The wreck happened around 6 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-85, just beneath the I-77 interchange (Exit 38) close to Beatties Ford Road.
All the southbound lanes had to be closed while crews worked to remove the overturned tanker. Officials tentatively hoped to have everything reopened by 10 a.m. By 11 a.m., the tanker had been uprighted and moved off the interstate, though the lanes remained closed.
MEDIC said two people were taken to the hospital, one with serious injuries and the other with minor injuries.
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There was no word on what may have caused the tanker to flip on its side. Traffic Team 9 could see something had spilled from the tanker, though the Highway Patrol said that whatever it is was not flammable.
Hazmat crews responded to help with the cleanup efforts.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area and those already stuck in the backups should consider alternate routes.
(WATCH BELOW: Reporter Anthony Kustura’s LIVE update)
State troopers are investigating the crash.
Channel 9 brought you team coverage and LIVE updates all morning on Channel 9 or wherever you stream the WSOC news app.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.
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