Charlotte, NC : Three people killed after car collided with a tractor-trailer on interstate 77 near uptown Charlotte early Monday, April 20, 2015

Three people were killed after colliding with a tractor-trailer on an interstate near uptown Charlotte early Monday morning, according to Highway Patrol.

The accident happened just before 2 a.m. on Interstate 77 near Remount Road. Officials say a speeding BMW rear ended a tractor-trailer before being dragged several hundred feet. All victims inside the BMW were killed. The truck driver was not injured.

According to John Burgin with the Highway Patrol, the driver of the tractor-trailer didn't realize he had been rear-ended. He thought he had a flat tire and when he stopped to look, around 1500 feet after impact, he realized the BMW was underneath his tractor-trailer.

"It was devastating. Just the injuries that occurred. It's probably one of the worst I've seen in a long, long time with the damage to the people. Unfortunately, with that type of speed you're going to have that type of injury - it's unfortunate that it happened," Burgin said.

A witness told the driver of the tractor-trailer the BMW passed him going more than 100 miles per hour. A few minutes later, the witness said he noticed the BMW had crashed into the tractor-trailer. Troopers are investigating contributing factors and have not ruled out alcohol.

Officials closed down the interstate as they worked to clear the scene. By 5:15 a.m., all lanes were reopen.

Source :
Three killed after colliding with tractor-trailer near uptown CLT