BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A sudden burst of rain Tuesday afternoon led to a series of crashes that shut down Interstate 81 southbound for nearly two hours, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
The incidents occurred around 3:56 p.m. on September 23 between the 7.5 and 9 mile markers.
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Deputies on scene included Lieutenant Anaya, Lieutenant Christian, Deputy Cooper, Deputy Dunigan, and Deputy Ezell.
The first accident happened when a Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a camper jackknifed, blocking traffic.
That triggered a chain reaction of secondary collisions: two commercial trucks crashed near the initial scene, one being forced off the road; another rear-end crash occurred about 100 yards back involving two more commercial vehicles; a fourth wreck followed about 200 yards farther behind, involving passenger vehicles; and a fifth rear-end crash between two trucks happened closer to the 9 mile marker.
In all, six commercial vehicles and three passenger cars were involved. Two passenger cars and two trucks had to be towed, but officials reported no injuries.
The collisions forced the closure of I-81 southbound for about one hour and 45 minutes. The roadway was fully reopened by 5:41 p.m.
Assisting at the scene were Berkeley County Fire, the 167th Airlift Wing Fire Department, and the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office reminded motorists to drive cautiously during sudden weather changes and to keep safe distances between vehicles.
