Charlotte, NC (February 13, 2026) – Several people were reported injured in a multi-car crash on the Brookshire Fwy near Exit 3A in Charlotte on February 12. Emergency units responded to the scene on the outer loop, where multiple vehicles were stopped in the right-hand lane on a bridge segment of the freeway.
Key Details
- Location: Brookshire Fwy near Exit 3A, Charlotte
- Reported: February 12 at 6:07 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Two to three vehicles
- Injuries: Multiple head injuries reported, possibly five people hurt
- Traffic Impact: Right-hand lane and 3A ramp temporarily shut down
What We Know So Far
- Dispatch reports indicated two or three vehicles were stopped in the right-hand lane coming from I-85 onto I-277 before the 12th St exit.
- The crash occurred on a bridge along the outer loop of the Brookshire Fwy.
- Callers reported several people with head injuries.
- Authorities shut down the Exit 3A ramp while vehicles were cleared from the roadway.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact number of people injured
- The severity of the reported head injuries
- The sequence of events that led to the collision
Local Context
The Brookshire Fwy carries heavy commuter traffic through Charlotte, particularly where it connects I-85 to I-277 near Exit 3A and the 12th St exit. The crash was reported on a bridge along the outer loop, an area where vehicles are merging and preparing to exit within a short stretch of roadway. When multiple vehicles become disabled in the right-hand lane in this section, congestion can build quickly as drivers navigate limited space and shifting lanes. Temporary ramp closures, such as the shutdown of Exit 3A in this case, are often necessary to allow emergency crews to assist injured occupants and remove damaged vehicles safely.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy roads.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Write down the time, location, and what you observed while the details are still fresh.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly.
FAQ
Q: What information is typically included in a crash report?
A: A crash report usually documents the location, involved parties, vehicle descriptions, roadway conditions, witness statements, and any citations issued. It may also note whether injuries were reported at the scene.
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: Highway crashes can block travel lanes and shoulders, reducing available space for passing vehicles. On busy routes like the Brookshire Fwy, even a partial lane closure can cause significant delays.
Q: Why might lanes remain blocked after injured people are helped?
A: Even after medical care is provided, officers may keep lanes closed while documenting the scene, arranging towing, and ensuring debris is cleared to make the roadway safe.
