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Massive I-85 Pileup: 750 Collisions, National Guard Deployed

2/1/2026

39 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On January 31, 2026, a major incident occurred on Interstate 85 North in Kannapolis, North Carolina, after a minor crash near exit 60, trapping over 30 tractor-trailers and over 70 cars.
The National Guard was deployed to assist in clearing the highway.
The road reopened around 9 p.m., though traffic remained.
Officials reported 750 statewide collisions with no fatalities and cited speeding as a factor, urging travelers to avoid travel.

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Story summary

On January 31, 2026, a major incident occurred on Interstate 85 North in Kannapolis, North Carolina, after a minor crash near exit 60, trapping over 30 tractor-trailers and over 70 cars.
The National Guard was deployed to assist in clearing the highway.
The road reopened around 9 p.m., though traffic remained.
Officials reported 750 statewide collisions with no fatalities and cited speeding as a factor, urging travelers to avoid travel.