I-485 in Charlotte closed after flames engulf tractor-trailer, fire officials say
A tractor-trailer fire closed Interstate 485 near Rocky River Road in northeast Charlotte late Friday afternoon, Charlotte Fire Department officials said.
“Find an alternate route,” fire officials said on social media. “Significant delays in the area, and please use extreme caution around emergency vehicles.”
The outer loop closed around 4:45 p.m., according to DriveNC.gov, the state Department of Transportation real-time road closings map.
MEDIC reported no injuries. Fire officials have not said what they believe might have caused the fire.
One of the three lanes was later reported open, state highway officials said.
At 5 p.m., “extensive backups” were seen in both directions of the interstate, Queen City News reported.
At 6 p.m., one lane was still closed, according to NCDOT. It could take until 7:30 p.m. to open the lane, officials said.
Also, just after 6 p.m., a wreck closed three of five lanes on Interstate 85 near the University City Boulevard exit, according to DriveNC.gov. The lanes opened by 7 p.m., officials said.
A person in the I-85 wreck was hospitalized with “potentially serious injuries,” and two others had non-life threatening injuries, according to MEDIC.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 5:49 PM.