UPDATE: Virginia State Police Trooper L.R. Spencer is investigating a two vehicle crash which resulted in two fatalities. The crash occurred Thursday (May 28) at 2:14 a.m. on Interstate 81, at the 167.6 mile marker in Botetourt County.A 2013 Volvo tractor trailer was traveling north on Interstate 81 at the 165.5 mile marker, when the vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway and struck the guardrail. The tractor trailer jackknifed and overturned; blocking the roadway.A 2020 Freightliner, also traveling north on Interstate 81, struck the 2013 Volvo after the initial crash. Both tractor trailers were pushed off the right side of the roadway.
The driver of the 2013 Volvo was identified as Zerai Asfedai Almedom, 56, of Mint Hill NC. Mr. Almedom was wearing his seatbelt and died at the scene.The driver of the 2020 Freightliner was identified as Eric Russel Larson, 53, of Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Larson was wearing his seatbelt and died at the scene. The passenger was not injured.The Virginia State Police Crash Investigation Team responded to assist.
PREVIOUS: There were two separate crashes that took place this morning.
At approximately 2:13 a.m., the first tractor trailer was traveling north on Interstate 81, when the vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway, striking the guardrail, causing the truck to overturn onto its side; blocking the roadway.
At approximately 2:15 a.m., the second tractor trailer, not seeing the first crash occur, struck the first tractor trailer; which was on its side. There were no lights visible for the second driver to see the first crash.
The drivers of both tractor trailers were the victims in the crash. One passenger sustained non-life threatening injuries.
State Police are working to make the next of kin notifications and more information will follow when it is received.
PREVIOUS: State Police responded to a crash on Interstate 81, at the 167 mile marker on the northbound side, involving two tractor trailers. The crash occurred at 2:17 a.m. Interstate 81 north is closed at this time, and traffic is being detoured off Interstate 81 at the 162 exit.
The crash involves two fatalities and the crash reconstruction team is on scene to determine the events leading to the crash. Trooper’s are also working to make notification to the families of those who were injured in the crash.
