Gastonia, NC - August 31, 2023: Gastonia Police are investigating a fatal crash of a single-vehicle-tractor-trailer that collided with trees and caught on fire at I-85 North near mile marker 16. The Gastonia Fire Department was able to contain the fire. A single occupant was deceased on the scene from the collision. Gastonia Police Traffic Unit is currently investigating the collision. I-85 is open but down to two lanes and will remain that way for several hours - expect traffic delays. Information about the occupant of the vehicle will not be released until family is notified.
Gastonia, NC - September 1, 2023: The Driver of the tractor-trailer has been identified as Daniel Shaffer, age 60, of Richmond, VA. His family has been notified. This vehicle crash is still under investigation.