Fatal Collision Shuts Down Stretch of I-485 in North Charlotte, Causing Hours of Delays

Charlotte, North Carolina — November 19, 2025 — According to WCNC, a serious collision on the I-485 Outer Loop brought traffic to a standstill, leaving one person dead, according to emergency officials.

The crash occurred near mile-marker 21, positioned between the W.T. Harris Boulevard and Interstate 77 exits, only a few minutes from Northlake Mall. First responders from several agencies—including Medic, Charlotte Fire, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol—arrived at the scene and confirmed that one individual died as a result of the incident.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation warned drivers that the closure could last for several hours. While crews eventually opened a single lane to ease congestion, all Outer Loop lanes were not fully reopened until around 5 p.m. Significant backups were reported throughout the area, extending to North Carolina Highway 16, as drivers attempted to find alternate routes.

WCNC Charlotte has requested additional details from the State Highway Patrol as the investigation continues.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt P.A. so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.