Share
A wreck involving an overturned tractor-trailer killed the truck's driver and is slowing traffic this afternoon on Interstate 85 near the state line.
The wreck happened at 1:05 p.m. just outside Grover and about 100 yards from the N.C.-S.C. line.
The driver of a tractor-trailer was traveling north on the interstate when he entered the median, struck the cable barrier and crossed over southbound lanes, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. Then, the truck struck a guardrail and slid down and 40-foot embankment, where it overturned.
The Cherokee County Coroner's Office identified the driver as 62-year-old Bobby Jay Whitner of Lincolnton. He died at the scene.
Authorities said no other vehicles were involved in the wreck.
Whitner was wearing a seat belt, troopers said. It's unclear what might have caused the wreck.
“There is no evidence at the scene that would indicate Mr. Whitner attempted to apply the truck’s brakes during the incident, which indicates he could have suffered a medical condition prior to the crash," said Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler.
Authorities said Whitner was driving to Newton after picking up a shipment of non-hazardous recycled plastic powdered material in Alabama. The material was scattered around the crash site.
The Highway Patrol said motorists will experience lane closures and delays in southbound lanes as they work to remove the crashed tractor-trailer. Crews expect to finish their work by this evening.
