China Grove, NC (September 3, 2026) – A man died after being struck by a passing vehicle on I-85, and a fire truck later sustained significant damage while protecting emergency units at the site.
Just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, emergency units went to a pedestrian collision on northbound I-85 between Exits 68 and 70. The man was pronounced dead after being struck while outside a vehicle.
The initial information states that two people had been traveling together when their vehicle ran out of gas. They stopped on the shoulder and became involved in a physical fight before one person was hit by a passing vehicle.
A separate wreck occurred around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, when another vehicle rear-ended the China Grove fire truck. The truck was positioned as a barrier for emergency units and successfully provided protection. No firefighters were hurt, while the other driver was taken to a hospital with injuries.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into the man’s death, and criminal charges have not been determined. The investigation into the fatal accident remains active.
Our deepest sympathies are with the deceased man’s loved ones.
What Happens When a Vehicle Strikes an Emergency Vehicle?
Emergency vehicles may be positioned near traffic lanes to create a protective buffer for people working near moving traffic. Drivers approaching these vehicles should slow down, stay alert, and follow any available warning signs or lane directions.
Rear-end collisions can occur when drivers fail to notice a stopped vehicle in time. Limited visibility, nighttime conditions, distracted driving, and sudden changes in traffic can increase the chance of a collision.
When a vehicle strikes an emergency vehicle, information such as vehicle damage, roadway conditions, lighting, traffic patterns, and available photographs may help establish what occurred. Witness accounts and vehicle data can also provide useful details about the sequence of actions before and during the accident.
