Accident snarls early morning traffic

By: | Richlands News Press
Published: October 09, 2009

Abingdon --

An early morning single-vehicle wreck on Interstate 77 in Wythe County caused major traffic problems. The crash occurred Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6:05 a.m. at the 26.7 mile marker near the New River Bridge.
According to Virginia State Trooper B.R. Edwards, Melinda Milstead, 38, of Franklin, W.Va., was headed south on the interstate in a tractor-trailer rig hauling dairy products. He said the driver reported she saw her trailer veering to the right before striking the guardrail.
As the rig approached the bridge, Edwards said, the vehicle jack-knifed and overturned, blocking both southbound lanes. The trailer split open scattering milk in the road and down the embankment.
The driver was able to climb out of the cab, according to the officer. Milstead cut her arm exiting the vehicle, Edwards said.
The operator was charged with failure to maintain control of her vehicle.
The entrance to I-77 from Interstate 81 northbound was closed to traffic initially. Later in the morning one of the I-77 southbound lanes was opened.
Traffic was rerouted along the service roads in the Fort Chiswell area. Some also traveled along Fort Chiswell Road to Poplar Camp where they were able to access I-77.
--Staff report

Accident snarls early morning traffic

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