Charlotte, NC (May 7, 2026) – A man died after a three-vehicle crash on Thursday, May 7, on southbound Interstate 85 near mile marker 78 in Charlotte.
The crash happened around 1:00 a.m. Officials said two cars were traveling south on Interstate 85 when they collided. After the first impact, one vehicle stopped off the shoulder, while the other came to rest on the interstate.
A tractor-trailer carrying cartons of milk then struck the vehicle that had stopped in the travel lanes; the driver of that vehicle was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials identified the victim as 35-year-old Evan Winston Johnson. The tractor-trailer went down an embankment and overturned, causing the milk load to spill.
Southbound Interstate 85 was closed for several hours before reopening. No charges were known to be pending at the time of the report.
The incident remains under review by authorities. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Secondary Crashes on Interstates Can Be Deadly
Secondary crashes can happen when a vehicle remains stopped in active travel lanes after an earlier collision. At highway speeds, approaching drivers may have only seconds to react. Large trucks need even more distance to slow or stop safely.
Interstate crashes at night can become more dangerous because visibility is reduced. A stopped or damaged vehicle may be harder to see, especially if traffic is moving quickly. Debris, spilled cargo, and blocked lanes can also increase the risk for others nearby.
Ejection from a vehicle is often life-threatening. Seat belt use, impact angle, vehicle position, and speed can affect injury severity. When a tractor-trailer is involved, the size and weight difference between vehicles can make the outcome much more severe.
