NORTH CAROLINA — One person was killed and three others were injured in a serious crash Friday evening on Interstate 77 near Harmony, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the crash occurred when a pickup truck traveling south on I-77 suffered a sudden blowout in its back right tire.
The driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the right side of the highway, struck a metal guardrail, flipped over, and rolled down a steep embankment.
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Elmer Adalberto Romero Giron of Statesville, died at the scene from his injuries.
Three other occupants in the vehicle — one adult and two children — were taken to local hospitals for treatment. All are expected to recover.
Investigators confirmed that neither speed nor alcohol played a role in the crash. They believe the tire failure was the primary cause of the accident.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of the southbound lanes of I-77 for approximately two hours as emergency crews responded and troopers conducted an investigation. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the inquiry into the fatal incident.
