A tractor-trailer driver has been charged after a crash on Interstate 95 in Virginia that killed two drivers and closed a portion of the highway for hours Wednesday.
According to authorities, the driver was carrying 78,000 pounds of beer and was trying to change lanes when he hit a car.
Wheelman G. Andrews, 58, of Carrollton, was charged with reckless driving, according to the Virginia State Police in an update Thursday.
The victims were Johnathon L. Booth, 50, of Fredericksburg, and Kevin M. Paddeu, 67, of Quinton, police said.
The accident involving the tractor-trailer, a car and an SUV occurred around 4:40 am on northbound I-95 in Stafford County. News4 video showed the gruesome wreckage, with the flatbed truck on its side and a car twisted and crushed.
According to the initial investigation, Andrews was driving a 2022 Freightliner tractor-trailer in the center lane and attempted to move into the right lane. In doing so, he struck the 2014 Nissan Altima that Booth was driving.
The force of the crash sent the truck and Altima flying into the left lane. They crashed into the guardrail and the truck flipped over onto the Altima and a 2010 Subaru Forester that Paddeu was driving.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Andrews received minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.
He was later arrested, charged, taken to the judge’s office, and released on unsecured bail. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney.
The accident and investigation closed the northbound lanes of I-95 for about five hours during rush hour into DC and as commuters tried to get home after July 4.
The accident investigation is ongoing. Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact the Virginia State Police.
