Driver Facing Charges After Tractor Trailer Overturns On I-485

UPDATE: All lanes have reopened on I-485.

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UPDATE: Officials now say that the driver of the tractor trailer that overturned on 485 at exit 30 Thursday afternoon will now be facing charges.

The driver, a 23-year-old man from Illinois, will be charged with careless and reckless driving and failure to maintain control of the vehicle, according to the NCHP. Troopers say he fell asleep behind the wheel and hit an abandoned car parked on the shoulder of I-485. The driver then over corrected and hit the barrier wall.

According to reports, the trailer then split on impact and spilled the contents, groceries, down the embankment. The cab flipped on its side and came to rest on top of the barrier wall.

As of 8pm, NCDOT crews were still working to clean and clear the area of debris.

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UPDATE: Officials say one lane has reopened, with the last one expected to reopen around 10pm. Still expect delays in the area.

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CHARLOTTE, NC — Medic has transported one person with life threatening injuries after an accident involving a tractor trailer in northeast Charlotte.

The accident happened around 2:30pm on the I-485 inner loop crossing over I-85. NCDOT officials say two right lanes are still closed near exit 30 on 485. Crews are working to remove debris from the roadway, but the lanes may not be reopened until 6pm.

Drivers should expect delays in the area until the scene is clear.