A Virginia couple driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina narrowly escaped being swept away by a massive mudslide triggered by the destructive Hurricane Helene. The harrowing event was captured on the rear dashcam of their vehicle, providing a chilling glimpse of just how close they came to disaster.
Alan and Kelly Keffer were driving along Interstate 40 near Old Fort, North Carolina, on October 3, 2024, when the mudslide suddenly crashed down the hillside behind them, missing their vehicle by mere seconds. The footage from their dashcam captures the terrifying moment when the earth gave way, sending a wall of mud and debris tumbling down the mountain and across the highway.
In the video, the mountainside is seen breaking apart, with rocks, dirt, and trees cascading onto the road in a torrent of destruction. The force of the mudslide was so powerful that it effortlessly shoved aside a cement barrier and engulfed the lanes of the interstate. Cars and semi-trucks traveling just behind the Keffers were suddenly faced with a life-threatening wall of debris that overtook the road.
The dramatic footage shows vehicles frantically pulling over as the mudslide surged across the highway, creating a scene of chaos. The Keffers, who had just passed through the area of impact, narrowly avoided being buried by the mud and rock that followed in their wake. The footage reveals how close they were to becoming victims of this natural disaster.
Alan Keffer’s voice can be heard on the video, exclaiming, “Whoa!” as the mudslide barrels down behind them. The shock and relief in his tone reflect the narrowness of their escape. Just moments earlier, they had been in the direct path of the oncoming landslide.
The mudslide was part of the larger devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, which has been battering the southeastern United States with relentless rainfall, severe flooding, and hazardous conditions. Western North Carolina, particularly the mountainous regions like the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been especially vulnerable to landslides as the saturated ground can no longer hold the excessive rainwater brought by the storm.
While the Keffers were lucky enough to escape unharmed, other drivers behind them were not as fortunate. The mudslide caused…
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