FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Tragedy struck on Wednesday evening as a series of crashes unfolded on I-66, resulting in the unfortunate loss of a life. The Virginia State Police (VSP) confirmed on Thursday that one of the individuals involved in the incidents had succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
The chaos began with a “chain reaction crash” involving three vehicles in the westbound lanes of I-66 at the 51-mile marker shortly after 6:30 p.m. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, where one driver sustained injuries but chose not to receive immediate medical attention.
Shortly after the initial crash, another alarming incident occurred in the westbound lanes of I-66 near the Nutley Street exit. VSP spokeswoman Corinne Geller disclosed that among the vehicles involved was a tow truck that had been dispatched to assist with the first crash at the 51-mile marker.
According to Geller, the tow truck had come to a halt when an SUV collided with its rear end, subsequently careening into a pickup truck. Tragically, the driver of the SUV was rushed to Fairfax INOVA Hospital, where they ultimately passed away.
Fortunately, the tow truck driver sustained injuries that, while significant, were deemed non-life-threatening. Medical professionals promptly transported the tow truck driver to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.
Despite the chaotic chain of events, the driver of the pickup truck emerged unscathed from the ordeal. However, the driver of the SUV and the tow truck driver were not as fortunate, with both requiring medical attention following the series of collisions.
As the evening progressed, a third collision transpired on the interstate around 7:35 p.m., this time involving two vehicles near mile marker 56. First responders swiftly intervened, providing necessary aid and transportation to one of the drivers involved in this latest incident.
The sequence of crashes on I-66 serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially hazardous nature of highway travel, underscoring the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring.