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SALUDA—A multi-vehicle crash on I-26 West near mile marker 58 temporarily closed both lanes Wednesday morning just before 9 a.m., according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. A separate accident involving five vehicles in Henderson County occurred earlier in the day, resulting in one injury and adding to the traffic woes in the area.

Interstate traffic was redirected through downtown Saluda via Highway 176 while lanes were closed to clear the scene in Polk County. One lane was open by 10:15 am, with the site cleared by 3 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the Polk County crash, according to Saluda Fire Chief Robert Dellinger. 

The NCDOT reported that the earlier accident in Henderson County resulted in a closure three miles west of the Saluda exit, and the road reopened at around 9:10 a.m.

Traffic was slow and backed up throughout the first part of the day on I-26. Officials urged drivers to use extra caution and on wet roads.