Interstate takeover shuts down I-77, sparks fear among drivers

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a street takeover on Interstate 77, but no arrests have been made.

The scary situation happened Sunday between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on I-77 South under the Lakeview Street bridge. Dozens of people wearing masks shut down I-77 to set off fireworks in the middle of the interstate.

Video posted to Instagram captured the stunning scene.

The video shows cars at a standstill with people telling them not to move. As they honk, a fire breaks out on the interstate, and fireworks go off.

A woman who was in one of the cars at the time with her child told Channel 9 it was dramatic and frightening.

“They weren’t letting us around, and then people that was in front of us, they were too scared to go,” she said.

The video shows stunned drivers making a break for it after the firework went off, even though 77 was still partially burning.

This woman, who witnessed it, is grateful no one was hurt.

“I believe that they were just truly doing it for fun but it’s not fun to hold up the highway and that’s dangerous,” she said. “You’re putting your life at risk.”

Despite all the witnesses, no arrests have been announced. Highway Patrol says by the time they responded, the scene was clear. Charlotte Fire also responded, but did not find a scene.

“My son was scared. I was scared,” the witness said.

All of this remains under investigation. If you have any information, you’re asked to call Highway Patrol and CMPD.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:07 AM with the headline "Interstate takeover shuts down I-77, sparks fear among drivers."