SHADY SPRING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two men were killed early Wednesday morning after a tractor trailer ran off the road and down a steep embankment along Interstate 64 in Raleigh County.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 5:14 a.m. on April 23 near mile marker 136.3 on I-64 eastbound, near Shady Spring.
The tractor trailer broke through a guardrail and plunged down the side of Sandstone Mountain.
Emergency crews from the Beaver and Ghent Fire Departments, Jan-Care Ambulance, and Laxton’s Towing responded to the scene.
Sergeant William Ramey of the sheriff’s office reported that both occupants of the truck were trapped in the cab and showed no signs of life.
Fire crews used hydraulic tools to help recover the bodies.
The driver, 33-year-old Macdiel R. Labrada of Louisville, Kentucky, and co-driver, 41-year-old Daikel C. Perdomo, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The truck was hauling a load of watermelons at the time of the crash.
Investigators believe excessive speed and a possible brake failure contributed to the wreck.
The investigation is being led by Deputy William Sneddon with assistance from Sergeant Justin Wills of the West Virginia Public Service Commission – Motor Carrier Division.
Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Shelton reminded drivers to follow posted speed limits and exercise caution, especially on steep grades like Sandstone Mountain.
