News Summary
A tractor-trailer caught fire on Interstate 77 near uptown Charlotte, leading to the closure of an exit ramp and causing significant traffic disruption. Emergency crews responded to the scene where smoke was billowing from the truck. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. This incident follows another fire involving an Amazon vehicle earlier in the day. Authorities are monitoring the situation and managing traffic flow while continuing to investigate the causes of these troubling incidents.
Charlotte, NC – A tractor-trailer caught fire late Tuesday night on Interstate 77, resulting in the closure of an exit ramp near uptown Charlotte. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 15, 2025, shortly after Morehead Street on I-77 South.
According to reports, smoke was seen billowing from the front of the truck when emergency crews arrived on the scene. The fire caused significant traffic disruptions, particularly affecting the northbound lane of I-77 near the Gold Hill Road exit in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which is located just south of Charlotte. Although two lanes were initially closed due to the fire, one lane was reopened shortly after 6 p.m., allowing some traffic to resume.
The ramp for Exit 9C, which provides access to U.S. 74, John Belk Freeway, and West Boulevard, is expected to remain closed until midnight. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with this incident, and Medic officials confirmed that no individuals were transported for treatment.
Earlier in the day, another tractor-trailer incident was reported involving an Amazon vehicle which also caught fire. Eyewitnesses submitted video footage showing an explosion as the truck was enveloped in flames. The South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are currently monitoring the ongoing situation and working to manage traffic flow.
This fire incident is not the first in the area in recent days. Just days prior, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to another tractor fire powered by compressed natural gas on North I-77. This fire occurred on the morning of Saturday, July 12, 2025, and firefighters discovered the vehicle fully involved in flames around 10 a.m. To ensure safety and manage the volatile situation, the Hazardous Materials Unit was deployed to prevent potential explosions and environmental contamination from the water runoff used to extinguish the fire.
There were concerns regarding storm drains and possible contamination due to the water runoff during firefighting efforts. In both incidents, the fire response teams worked diligently to minimize risks to the environment and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
All lanes of I-77 have since reopened following the incident, although motorists are advised to remain cautious. As the situation continues to develop, authorities encourage drivers to stay informed about traffic conditions and potential delays in the area.
This latest occurrence is part of a worrying trend involving vehicle fires on major highways. The frequency of these incidents highlights the importance of monitoring the safety of commercial vehicles and maintaining proper protocols to prevent such events. Both local and state authorities have emphasized the necessity of vigilance when it comes to managing hazardous situations on the highways.
As investigations into the causes of these fires continue, it is crucial for drivers to stay updated on any road closures and be prepared for changes in traffic patterns, especially in and around the uptown Charlotte area.
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Additional Resources
- QC News: Tractor-trailer fire closes part of I-77 near uptown Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Vehicle fire
- WCNC: Amazon truck fire in South Carolina
- Google Search: I-77 traffic updates
- WBTV: I-77 closed after deadly crash
- Google Scholar: Vehicle fire safety
- WSOC: I-77 shut down due to vehicle fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway safety
- WCCB: I-77 North closed due to tractor-trailer on fire
- Google News: Vehicle fire I-77
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
