Interstate 85 in Gastonia reopens after crash with multiple tractor-trailers

GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — One person was injured in a crash on Interstate 85 South in Gaston County involving multiple tractor-trailers Monday night, according to the Gastonia Police Department.

The N.C. Department of Transportation said the crash happened at 11 p.m. on I-85 South near Exit 18. The highway was closed after Exit 19 (NC Hwy. 7) until about 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Police said a semi truck hydroplaned in the rain and hit the center wall, causing it to jackknife. The truck was then hit by two more trucks.

No one was seriously injured in the crash; however, one person was taken to a local hospital.

Gaston County emergency officials say the tractor-trailers have ruptured fuel tanks, which caused the freeway to close for an extended time.

Crews continued spreading sand Tuesday morning to help clean up the leaking diesel fuel. Although the road has reopened, there are still extended backups through Gastonia.

Anyone driving on I-85 in that area this morning is urged to drive with caution and patience.

Police are still working to confirm if any citations were issued in the crash.