Multi-Vehicle Crash on 81
*** A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Rockingham, Augusta, Shenandoah, Hardy, Page, Warren, Clarke, and Frederick until 8 p.m. Wednesday. 1" - 3" of snow are possible, with the heaviest snowfall in the mid afternoon. Snow could stick on untreated roads. Drive with Caution. *** *** A Winter Weather Advisoryis in effect for Highland, Pendleton, and Grant counties until 10 p.m. Wednesday. 2" - 4" of snow are possible, with the heaviest snowfall in the mid morning through the afternoon. Snow will likely stick to many untreated roads and visibility will be reduced. Drive with Caution. ***
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Updated: 2:19 PM Sep 17, 2008
Multi-Vehicle Crash on 81
Augusta County
A tractor trailer driver fell asleep at the wheel and caused a four-car crash Tuesday morning.
Posted: 5:36 PM Sep 16, 2008
Reporter: Philip Townsend
Email Address: ptownsend@whsv.com
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Major traffic delays took place Tuesday because of a four-vehicle accident at mile marker 213 on Interstate 81 southbound Tuesday morning.

Three of those vehicles were on fire and one of them was reportedly a tractor trailer carrying Vitamin Water on its way to storm-damaged areas around the Gulf Coast.

State Police say that truck has been completely destroyed, but the fire has been put out and the left lane has opened.

According to State Police, a group of three bucket trucks from Mastec Power Company were headed south to help hurricane hit areas. They say a tractor trailer driver fell asleep while driving and ran one of the trucks off the road, flipping it over an embankment.

The second truck was then forced off the road by the tractor trailer and both vehicles burst into flames.

Dave Zien was riding his motorcycle down 81 when he spotted the flames.

He says, "When we got here there was a little more smoke. Then we saw the flames. Then there was a couple of explosions, and material was exploding and then there was rolling flames."

The truck driver has been charged with reckless driving. The road has reopened, but it was reduced to one lane for most of the afternoon.

Two drivers were sent to Augusta Medical Center as a precaution. State Police say no one was seriously hurt in the accident.

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