A tragic incident occurred Saturday night near the North Carolina-Tennessee line when a 62-year-old woman from Southern Pines drove around barricades marking a section of Interstate 40 closed due to storm damage from Hurricane Helene.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the woman entered a section of road with significant damage caused by floodwaters from the Pigeon River.
After somehow getting turned around, her vehicle plunged into the Pigeon River Gorge through gaping holes in the highway.
Despite the efforts of emergency crews, including members of the Janaluska Community Volunteer Fire Department, who rappelled down a steep embankment to reach the car, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
The car had settled about 100 feet from the roadway. While this was the most severe outcome, other vehicles that bypassed the blockade also needed rescue.
The incident highlights the dangers of ignoring road closures, especially in areas affected by severe weather damage.
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