Charlotte, NC (September 2, 2026) – A box truck driver was killed early on Tuesday after being struck by a Toyota passenger car on I-485 near W Blvd. The collision happened around 4:11 a.m. on the outer loop.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the box truck had run off the right side of the interstate and struck a concrete utility access. The truck came to rest partially in the roadway, facing the opposite direction.
The driver got out and was standing beside the truck when the Toyota traveling in the right lane hit him. The Toyota driver pulled onto the left shoulder afterward.
The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity had not been released pending notification of his next of kin.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation. Our condolences go to the driver’s family and loved ones following this tragic loss.
Why Roadside Emergencies Can Put Drivers at Risk
Drivers who leave their vehicles on or near an active highway can face serious risks from passing traffic. Limited visibility, high speeds, darkness, and unexpected obstacles can make it difficult for approaching motorists to react.
A disabled vehicle or roadside obstruction can also create hazards for other road users. Drivers should remain alert, reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles, and provide as much distance as safely possible when passing.
People who must exit a disabled vehicle should move to a safer position away from moving traffic when conditions allow. Using hazard lights and other warning devices can also help alert approaching drivers to a vehicle stopped along the roadway.
