Haywood County Rescue After Vehicle Drives Around Barriers

Haywood County -- November 10, 2024: Saturday night area visitors drove around a clearly marked closed-off area

 of I40 in Haywood County.

The following was posted on social media by the Lake Junaluska Fire Department: 

We want to remind Haywood County travelers that the large orange and white “Road Closed” signage and concrete barriers are there for a reason, and one of those reasons isn’t to drive around them. Tonight a few travelers are very fortunate to be alive after they drove around a blockade on Interstate 40 and drove off Interstate 40 from a large hole in the roadway.   

Crews from Junaluska Fire Department and Grassy Fork Fire and Rescue setup a rope system to rescue those occupants very close to the Pigeon River. Cocke County Swiftwater Rescue responded also due to the potential of the vehicle being in the water. Other Agencies on scene were Haywood EMS, Priority Ambulance Service, NC Highway Patrol, NCDOT and Rabbitskin Towing! 
There were no injuries to Emergency Services Personnel.

WNCTimes

Image: Lake Junaluska Fire Department

DO NOT drive around barricades! This is extremely dangerous and poses a risk not only to the drivers but also to first responders. 
Please remember: Barricades are there for your safety and to guide traffic away from hazards. Ignoring them can lead to serious accidents or injuries.
Please avoid driving around barricades and follow all posted signs!