KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Firefighters say a wrong-way driver nearly hit several crews responding to a collision on Interstate 85 in Kannapolis late Saturday night.
It happened along I-85 near mile marker 61.
Firefighters said they responded to several calls Saturday evening and into Sunday related to the weather that was impacting the area.
Because of a multi-vehicle collision on I-85, crews closed a portion of the roadway to rescue an entrapped driver and treat several others. Kannapolis Firefighters were able to extricate the driver, along with several others with minor injuries, to the hospital.
While firefighters were treating other patients, a suspected impaired driver entered the southbound lane of the interstate from Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, traveling in the worth direction.
The driver hit several pieces of equipment as they came close to the accident scene, including hydraulic tools and medical supplies.
Officials said the driver nearly hit several firefighters. Other firefighters were able to stop the vehicle, and troopers took the driver into custody.
Kannapolis Fire Department officials said they have made improvements to their traffic safety program to prevent impaired, fatigued or distracted drivers from rear-ending accident scenes. They said Saturday night’s incident was unexpected and is harder to prepare for.
“To be clear, the Kannapolis Fire Department will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who make irresponsible decisions that endanger the lives of our first responders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Kannapolis Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff said. “We are thankful that no firefighters were injured tonight.”
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