VSP investigating fatal Nelson Co. crash

NELSON COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - The Virginia State Police is investigating a crash in Nelson County that took the life of a child.

VSP says it was called out to Route 29, near Rockfish River Road, around 6 p.m. Friday, December 24. A tractor-trailer had rear-ended a Honda Odyssey that had “abruptly stopped” after hitting a deer.

Authorities say all five people in the minivan, as well as the driver of the tractor-trailer, were injured. All the adults and children involved were wearing seat belts, or secured in a booster/safety seat.

An 8-year-old girl in the minivan was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. VSP says the child passed away Christmas Day.

A 4-year-old boy in the minivan was transported for treatment of serious injuries.

The three other people in the minivan - 44-year-old Michael E. Mack of Taylorsville, 44-year-old Shelly K. Mack of Taylorsville, and a 6-year-old boy - were taken to the hospital for minor injures.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, 62-year-old Hugh D. Powell of New Britain, was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The tractor-trailer was loaded with 42,000 lbs. of paper.

The Virginia State Police says charges are pending at this time.

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