SPENCER — A woman passenger was killed early Thursday evening in a one-car accident on Interstate 85 about a quarter-mile south of the Spencer Exit 81.
The victim, a passenger in a Chrysler PT Cruiser, was pinned under the vehicle. The northbound car came to rest on its right side and was pointed south. Its smashed and scratched rooftop suggested that it had possibly rolled or slid on its top.
The N.C. Highway Patrol said three other women were in the car. Miller’s Ferry Fire Chief Bobby Fox said those women were ambulatory with minor to moderate injuries.
They were transported to Rowan Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Names and details behind the wreck were not immediately released in the accident, still being investigated Thursday night.
The Cruiser contained travel bags in the back, and several articles of clothing and shoes were strewn along the pavement near the car.
The accident caused northbound traffic to back up past Exit 79, although emergency crews were able to keep one lane of traffic open going past the accident.
Equipment and personnel from Miller’s Ferry Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Rowan Rescue Squad and Rowan County EMS responded.
Floodlights from the responding trucks provided rescue personnel with the light they needed.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred just before 6:30 p.m., and rescue workers removed the body at 7:15 a.m.
 Medical responders said two people who had been in the car were walking around when they arrived. Another person involved in the wreck was placed on a backboard.