In late September, Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina in tropical storm form. Its rampaging rainfall created destructive landslides in sections of I-40, including a huge crater near Pigeon River. Despite authority-installed barricades, one driver somehow ended up on the wrong side of the road…and a hundred feet down a slippery, water-filled embankment. This afternoon, the North Carolina Highway Patrol told a local news station that the driver succumbed to her injuries.

Yesterday, the Junaluska Fire Department, the local community’s volunteer squad, detailed the event on their Facebook page.

A bit after 8 pm on November 9, Haywood County received a 911 call notifying authorities of a car accident on I-40. Several responder groups arrived on the scene. The vehicle slid about 100 feet down the crater’s edge, landing on its side. Due to the “complexity” of the rescue, responders determined a rope rescue would be best.

Crews rappelled down to the crashed vehicle. The car had one occupant, whom they removed and brought to a waiting ambulance.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol investigated how the driver navigated past the barricades installed in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. The Junaluska fire chief said the driver drove in the opposing lane on I-40 and didn’t seem to attempt to brake.

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office warned drivers to pay attention to signage and roadblocks on its social media. “Barricades are there for your safety and to direct traffic away from hazards. Ignoring them can lead to serious accidents or injuries. This situation is extremely dangerous and poses risks not only to the drivers but also to first responders.”