Two people have died after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Virginia triggered a fire and a series of explosions involving oxygen tanks.
The collision happened at about 8.10pm on Thursday, 10 September, near Exit 310 in Frederick County. Virginia State Police said a passenger car attempting to join the southbound carriageway failed to give way and crossed two lanes of traffic.
The car struck a southbound tractor-trailer, sending it through the central reservation and into the northbound lanes. It then collided with a lorry carrying oxygen tanks, sparking a large fire and explosions.
Two lorry drivers killed in I-81 crash
Russell R Haskins, 64, from Altavista, Virginia, who was driving the first tractor-trailer, died at the scene.
Jeffrey J Hudnell, 52, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was driving the oxygen truck. He suffered serious injuries and later died in hospital.
The driver of the passenger car, identified as Mario A Saldivar-Romaro, from Rockingham, Virginia, was not injured. State police charged him with reckless driving and said further charges could follow after consultation with the Frederick County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
A deputy inside a nearby Frederick County Sheriff’s Department vehicle was unharmed, although the vehicle was damaged by the blast. Another vehicle parked in a lot east of the motorway was also hit.
The crash caused significant disruption on I-81, with emergency crews dealing with hazardous materials, debris and damage to the road surface. The Virginia Department of Transportation said part of the carriageway would need to be repaved, while traffic could continue once remaining hazards had been cleared.
Alternating lane closures were expected as emergency repairs continued. Virginia State Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash remained under investigation.
