CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several ramps on Interstate 77 were closed early Thursday after a tractor-trailer hauling live turkeys crashed near Exit 16B, sending dozens of birds wandering across the roadway, according to local officials.

The crash occurred around 1 a.m. on the northbound ramp to Sunset Road, according to WBTV. The impact caused cages to break loose from the trailer, releasing turkeys across the ramp area. Not all of the birds survived.

^{Photo credit: wccbcharlotte}

A yellow tractor-trailer cab sustained significant damage, and paramedics reported that one person suffered serious injuries. It was not immediately clear where the shipment originated or its intended destination.

State transportation officials initially estimated the ramp would reopen shortly after 7 a.m., but later extended the closure into the afternoon due to cleanup and recovery efforts. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Highway Patrol and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police continued to investigate Thursday morning.

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