Tractor-trailer crashes, spills watermelons across I-485 ramp

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The ramp from the Interstate 485 inner loop to the northbound lanes of Interstate-77 was closed after a tractor-trailer crashed on its side, spilling hundreds of watermelons across the road.

[IMAGES: Truck crashes, spills watermelons across I-485 ramp]

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene just after noon Tuesday, and could see the damaged big rig as well as the fruit that was strewn across the ramp.

We first updated WSOCTV news app users with a notification just after noon Tuesday to help drivers avoid this mess.

Download the WSOCTV news app for your smartphone and get updates on this developing story as they come in.

Traffic was backed up for miles as first responders blocked off the ramp. There was no word on any injuries.

Officials with the Huntersville Fire Department said the wreck was blocking the entire ramp and that the roadway was closed.

By mid-Tuesday afternoon a Caterpillar skid steer loader started scooping up the watermelons.

A hazmat truck from the Charlotte Fire Department has been called in to help clean up the mess.

Crews cleared the ramp by 6 p.m.

It's still unclear what caused the crash.

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