North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper S. Corn has obtained warrants for the arrest of the driver, Gayonty Byrd, 43, of Petersburg, for reckless driving, and the passenger, Tremayne McKeever, 49, of Richmond, for assault with a deadly weapon.

The initial report notes that a domestic was taking place in the vehicle when it is believed McKeever grabbed the wheel of the vehicle to make it strike the bridge twice.

Chief Ed Porter Jr. of Gaston Fire and Rescue said in a statement Saturday firefighters responded to the southbound of the interstate at the 174 mile marker around 10:30 p.m.

The vehicle was found on the bridge with the driver still inside.

Both lanes of the interstate were closed. Both the driver’s side doors and B-post were removed by firefighters using hydraulic cutters and spreaders.

Both the female driver and male passenger were treated on scene by Northampton County paramedics. Helicopters from Vidant Medical Center and WakeMed were landed at the scene.

Both patients were transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Firefighters remained on scene until midnight at which time the interstate was reopened.

The immediate conditions of Byrd and McKeever were not immediately known, the highway patrol said today.