“[It] seems the pilot made some diversionary movies to avoid hitting traffic,” CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said. “Looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger. That pilot is a hero in my eyes…to the safety and security of everyone on the road.”
The expected impact on traffic Tuesday is high. NCDOT reports that Interstate-77 southbound near Exit 4 will be shut down until approximately midnight tonight.
Crews have responded to a deadly helicopter crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 77 in south Charlotte.
The crash is in the area of I-77 near the Nations Ford Road exit. Crews say the ramps from I-85 north and south to I-77 south are now closed and will be for an extended period of time.
New Information:
Ramps are now closed from I-85 North and South to I-77 South
Official detour for drivers on I-77 South:
Take Exit 13 A (I-85 South) for 8 miles, then Exit 30A (I-485 Inner) for 10 miles to reaccess I-77.
The FAA released the following statement:
A Robinson R44 helicopter crashed near I-77 South and Nations Ford Road in Charlotte, N.C., around 12:20 local time today. Two people were on board. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates. Neither agency identifies people involved in aircraft accidents.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said no vehicles on the interstate were involved in the crash and the helicopter crashed off to the side of the roadway.
The National Transportation Safety Board tweeted the agency will be investigating the crash. Jennings said the CMPD, along with Charlotte Fire, will be assisting with the scene.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Charlotte Fire, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are assisting with securing the scene Tuesday and are awaiting the arrival of the FAA and NTSB.
“Pray for the families. It’s going to be a difficult holiday season,” CMPD Chief Jennings said.
This message is to inform you about traffic delays you may experience as a result of an accident on Interstate 77 Southbound, near Nations Ford Road. Road closures may affect your child’s arrival time home or delay your arrival to and pickup from school.
I-77 traffic delays are expected to continue into the evening and may impact other major roads and highways throughout South Charlotte.
For families of bus riders, please check the “Here Comes The Bus” app for updates on your child’s location and anticipated arrival time. For families traveling by car, please use your phone’s navigation app for tips and alternate routes to avoid delays.
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