CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four people have died after a crash on Interstate 85 Tuesday afternoon, according to Mecklenburg EMS.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the four victims as Edwin Garcia, Arthuro Garcia, Miguel Portillo and Kevin Turcios.
I-85 southbound was closed for hours near Exit 45, WT Harris Boulevard, in response to the crash. The road reopened around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Witnesses said they saw fire coming from the crash involving a dump truck and at least one other car.
“It was like a car in the— like rammed into the back of the truck,” UNC Charlotte student Dianella Montes told WCNC Charlotte.
Officers were seen looking under the dump truck with flashlights, and the State Highway Patrol is investigating what happened.
The deadly crash caused severe backups on WT Harris Boulevard and the surrounding area. Police officers were seen blocking exits to the highway and diverting traffic away from the scene.
Montes added that the tragedy is a solemn reminder to be vigilant behind the wheel, especially during peak hours on the highway.
"It could’ve been a family, friends, like it's just -- their life is gone just like that," Montes said. "It’s terrible."
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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