Medical problem suspected in fatal Gaston County wreck

Highway Patrol troopers suspect a medical issue may have led to a fiery wreck on Interstate 85 North near McAdenville that resulted in one death Monday morning.

The wreck occurred around 6:30 a.m. near Exit 23, according to the Highway Patrol.

The vehicle ran off the right shoulder of the road and traveled about 400 feet before hitting a tree and bursting into flames, according to Highway Patrol Trooper Ray Pierce.

"There were no signs of braking and a witness reported they did not see any brake lights," Pierce said.

"We are under the assumption it may have  been some kind of medical emergency to where the driver just couldn't react," Pierce added.

Only a driver was inside the vehicle and that person was pronounced dead on the scene.

Fire damage from the wreckage has made it difficult to not only identify the driver, but even the car, Pierce said. Investigators were still trying to find the vehicle identification number at 2:30 p.m., Monday and a license tag also could not be found, Pierce said. 

Traffic was backed up for miles as troopers and emergency workers continued to try and clear the scene two hours after the wreck. Traffic was backed up to U.S. 321 at Exit 17 until around 9:30 a.m.

Investigators expect to be able to answer some of their questions about the wreck within the next 24 hours, Pierce added.

You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-869-1823 or email him at kellis@gastongazette.com.