A truck driver lost his life earlier this week, after losing control of his rig and crossing the median, crashing into another tractor trailer.
It happened in Cherokee County, South Carolina, at approximately 8:10 p.m. on Tuesday.
According to WSPA, a 2007 Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling north on Interstate 85 when the driver lost control of the rig and crossed over the median, breaking through cable barriers and crossing onto the southbound lanes.
BREAKING: One confirmed dead as two tractor-trailers collide on I-85 near Carolina state line. Multiple vehicles on fire. pic.twitter.com/oa2FWQCMZD
— NBC Charlotte (@wcnc) June 14, 2017
The Freightliner then crashed into another tractor trailer that was traveling southbound, sparking a fiery blaze.
Good Samaritans pulled the southbound driver and one passenger from the burning tractor trailer. The driver of the Freightliner semi truck died in the accident.
PPL stuck in the aftermath on I-85 tell me the semis are still on fire. Freeway at a standstill and they might not make it out before the AM pic.twitter.com/O2fkrY2M3T
— CamMan Ron Lee (@WBTVCamMan) June 14, 2017
The driver of the Freightliner was burned beyond recognition and the County will “rely on dental records for identification,” says Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler.
The exact cause of the crash is still not officially known. However, one witness claims to have seen the Freightliner blow a tire before losing control and crossing the median.
The highway was partially closed for several days but has since reopened.
The identity of the driver has not yet been released, and the investigation remains underway.