A couple driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina narrowly avoided [1] being swept up in a massive mudslide triggered by Hurricane Helene.
The terrifying incident, which could have turned tragic in an instant, was captured on the rear dashcam of their vehicle.
Alan and Kelly Keffer were driving on Interstate 40 near Old Fort, North Carolina, when the mudslide came crashing down just seconds behind them, narrowly missing their car.
Dashcam footage shows the hillside giving way and a torrent of rocks and mud sweeping across the highway, smothering the lanes of I-40 in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The video captures the moment when the mudslide engulfed the road, sending debris flying and pushing aside a cement barrier as if it were weightless.
In the footage, other vehicles, including semi-trucks and smaller cars, can be seen farther behind the Keffers’ car. Within moments, the debris overtakes the road, and vehicles parked on the side of the highway are visible as the mud and rocks crash down.
The video shows just how close the couple came to being buried by the sudden landslide.
Virginia couple cheats death, barely missing mudslide in Carolina.pic.twitter.com/ETT8cSiRdS [2]
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) October 3, 2024 [3]
Alan Keffer can be heard exclaiming, “Whoa!” as the mudslide unfolds behind them, demonstrating the shock and relief they must have felt at that moment.
The highway was quickly closed following the mudslide, as emergency services worked to clear the debris and assess the damage.
The powerful landslide was just one of many caused by Hurricane Helene, which has ravaged the region with heavy rainfall and flooding.
While the Keffers managed to escape unscathed, other drivers behind them were caught in the mudslide’s path.
FOX Weather provided more details on the situation, reporting on the extent of the damage and the dangers posed by the storm.
According to the report, debris from the slide was flung higher than the semi-trucks on the road, underscoring the sheer force of the event.
The destruction left by Hurricane Helene continues to be assessed, and emergency responders are working around the clock to ensure the safety of residents and travelers in the region.
As cleanup efforts progress, many are offering prayers for those who were caught in similar disasters and for those still missing.
The situation in western North Carolina highlights the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has left roads blocked, homes damaged, and communities reeling.
While it will take time to fully understand the scope of the destruction, stories like the Keffers’ serve as a stark reminder of how quickly natural disasters can strike and how fortunate some are to escape with their lives.