Charlotte, NC, November 30, 2025
An overhead interstate sign collapsed onto a vehicle on I-77 South near Arrowood Road, injuring two people late Friday night. The driver was trapped, requiring emergency extraction. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions for several hours. Authorities are investigating the cause, which may involve an impaired driver from an initial collision. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes until the highway reopened early Saturday morning.
Charlotte, NC – Overhead Sign Collapse Injures Two on I-77 South
CHARLOTTE, NC – An overhead interstate sign collapsed onto a vehicle on I-77 South near Arrowood Road late Friday night, trapping the driver and causing significant traffic disruptions. The incident resulted in two individuals being hospitalized with serious injuries.
Incident Details
At approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, a collision near the Arrowood Road exit led to the collapse of an overhead sign onto a southbound vehicle. Emergency responders arrived promptly, confirming the driver was trapped beneath the wreckage. Utilizing specialized equipment, they extricated the driver in under 30 minutes. Both the driver and a passenger were transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries. The exact cause of the sign’s collapse remains under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility of an impaired driver being involved in the initial collision. The southbound lanes of I-77 were closed for several hours, reopening at 5 a.m. on Saturday after the sign was removed. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes during this period.
Background
Overhead sign collapses on highways, though rare, can pose significant hazards to motorists. Such incidents often result from structural failures or collisions with vehicles. In this case, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The NCDOT has previously addressed similar issues; for instance, in December 2022, a highway sign near Carowinds Boulevard collapsed onto I-77 South, causing traffic delays.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving near construction zones or areas with overhead structures. Adhering to posted speed limits and being vigilant for road signs indicating potential hazards can help prevent accidents. Additionally, drivers should be aware of their surroundings and prepared to react promptly to unexpected situations on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the overhead sign to collapse onto the vehicle?
The exact cause of the sign’s collapse is under investigation. Authorities are considering the possibility of an impaired driver being involved in the initial collision that led to the collapse.
Were there any other vehicles involved in the incident?
While the initial collision near the Arrowood Road exit led to the sign’s collapse, it is not clear whether other vehicles were directly involved in the incident.
How long were the southbound lanes of I-77 closed?
The southbound lanes of I-77 were closed for several hours, reopening at 5 a.m. on Saturday after the sign was removed.
What should drivers do if they encounter similar situations?
Drivers should exercise caution when driving near construction zones or areas with overhead structures. Adhering to posted speed limits and being vigilant for road signs indicating potential hazards can help prevent accidents. Additionally, drivers should be aware of their surroundings and prepared to react promptly to unexpected situations on the road.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | I-77 South near Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| Cause of Collapse | Under investigation; possible involvement of an impaired driver |
| Injuries | Two individuals hospitalized with serious injuries |
| Traffic Impact | Southbound lanes closed for several hours; reopened at 5 a.m. on Saturday |
| Response Time | Emergency responders extricated the driver in under 30 minutes |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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