News Summary
A multi-vehicle accident on I-64 in Newport News led to the death of a child and multiple injuries. The incident has resulted in lane closures and significant delays for drivers in the area. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with previous incidents raising concerns about road safety and the importance of proper vehicle restraints, particularly for children. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution amidst the traffic disruptions.
Newport News – A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 (I-64) westbound in Newport News left one child dead and several individuals injured on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred near the Harpersville Road overpass, prompting significant traffic disruptions and lane closures.
Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene, where it has been reported that the left lane and left shoulder of the interstate are currently closed. Drivers in the area are warned to expect delays and exercise caution as they navigate through the affected stretch of highway. The specific number of vehicles involved remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation.
While details about this crash are still unfolding, it comes only a day after a tragic incident on I-64, where a 5-year-old girl lost her life in a separate four-car collision. This fatal crash took place between mile markers 249 and 250, near Fort Eustis Blvd, on the evening of June 20. The accident led to serious injuries and resulted in the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate.
In the earlier incident, Willie I. Greene, a 45-year-old driver, was operating a Dodge Durango at high speeds when he rear-ended a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The impact caused the Sonata to lose control and veer off the road toward the westbound shoulder. Greene’s vehicle then crossed into the westbound lanes, sideswiping a 2021 Toyota Tacoma before colliding head-on with a Nissan Altima.
Inside the Nissan was Tonya Colis, a 39-year-old driver, who had her 5-year-old child in the car. The child was ejected from the car seat due to improper restraints and sustained life-threatening injuries as a result. Following the crash, all individuals involved, with the exception of the Tacoma’s driver, were hospitalized for their injuries.
Investigations into the crash have revealed that excessive speed was a contributing factor. As a result, charges against Greene are currently pending as law enforcement continues to gather evidence and analyze the situation. The authorities reopened all lanes of I-64 on June 21 at 1:21 a.m. after thoroughly clearing the site of the earlier incidents.
Current updates indicate ongoing challenges for commuters due to the recent collision. The Virginia Department of Transportation has noted that there is no estimated time for when the lane closures will be lifted, urging drivers to take alternate routes if possible to avoid further delays.
The Virginia State Police are actively pursuing their investigation into both the fatal crash and the multi-vehicle incident, seeking to gather more information regarding the events that led to these accidents.
The community is reminded of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of speeding and improper use of car safety devices, especially for children, in light of these tragic incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Virginia Capital Trail Expansion in Colonial Williamsburg
Newport News Vehicle Fire Disrupts Traffic on Interstate 64
New Costco Location Approved by Newport News City Council
Newport News Launches Community Survey for Strategic Planning
VDOT Launches Widening Project on I-64 in James City County
VDOT Initiates I-64 Bridge Rehabilitation in Newport News
Traffic Disruptions Ahead for Newport News Drivers
VDOT Announces Long-Term Bridge Rehabilitation Project on I-64
Costco to Relocate and Expand in Newport News
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Multi-vehicle Crash on I-64
- WTKR: 5-Year-Old Dies After Crash on I-64
- WAVY: Overturned Tractor Trailer on I-64
- Pilot Online: Motorcycle Crash in Newport News
- KXLY: Woman Killed in Crash South of Newport
- Wikipedia: Newport News
- Google Search: Newport News Traffic Accidents
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents Newport News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport News
- Google News: Newport News Traffic Crash
