1 killed in Rowan County chain-reaction crash

SALISBURY, N.C. — One person was killed in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 85 near Salisbury early Thursday morning.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the first of two crashes involved a red and silver car that collided around 1 a.m. between Andrews Street and East Innes Street.

After the crash, troopers say the silver car came to rest in a travel lane and was hit by a southbound tractor-trailer, ejecting the driver, 35-year-old Evan Winston Johnson, of Mint Hill, from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers didn’t say if anyone else was hurt.

During the crash, the tractor-trailer, which was hauling cartons of milk in boxes, got turned around on the interstate, overturned and spilled its cargo.

The southbound lanes were closed for hours as a result. As of 5:20 a.m., the road had partially reopened.

Debris and cargo were scattered across the road, and officials will be working to clean up the crash throughout the morning.

Officials are asking drivers to be mindful of any traffic changes due to clean-up efforts and avoid the area if possible.

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There’s no word on whether or not charges will be filed.

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

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