WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A woman is dead after authorities say she navigated around multiple barricades on a closed section of I-40 in Haywood County.

The Highway Patrol said the incident occurred Saturday around 8 p.m. The car landed sideways just a few feet from the Pigeon River.

Fire crews said emergency crews began rope rescue operations and went down the embankment to reach the car.

The westbound lanes of the interstate were washed out by Helene floodwaters from the Pigeon River.

According to firefighters, the car was about 100 feet off the road with the driver on the passenger side.

Troopers said the woman, from Southern Pines, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane. They say he started going the wrong way at the Harmon Den exit.

Firefighters say it’s a stark reminder not to go around barricades for any reason.

The highway is expected to partially reopen in the first half of the year.

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