PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — A state Division of Highways worker was killed after he was struck by an out of control vehicle Thursday afternoon in a work zone in Wood County.
Police said Randall W. Bland, 49, of Waverly, died of serious leg injuries at Camden Clark Medical Center. He was on foot in the work zone when he was struck. Several other people in the vehicles were also injured and remain hospitalized.
The chain reaction-type accident occurred at around 2:15 in the westbound lanes of U.S. Route 50 near the intersection of Old Landfill Road.
State DOH spokesman Brent Walker said Bland was pinned between a van and a DOH truck.
“A (tanker) truck hit a vehicle, who then hit another vehicle, who hit a van. The van was forced into the work zone where our workers were working and had struck a DOH worker,” Walker said.
Walker said seven people were originally taken to hospitals including a second DOH worker who was being treated for shock.
Walker said the wreck once again points out the importance of drivers staying alert in work zones.
“Our workers are faced with this everyday and not just our workers but contractors and everybody else. It’s a dangerous job where their office is on the roadway,” Walker said.
Sheriff’s deputies said the tanker driver was not injured and charges are possible.