BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Three people were killed and five others injured in a two-vehicle crash that closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 79 in Harrison County for more than five hours Friday evening into Saturday morning.
A minivan and box truck were involved in the collision near the Jerry Dove Drive exit in Bridgeport at about 6:16 p.m. The truck apparently was driving north and went through the median into the southbound lane striking the van that was heading south.
There were two people in the truck and six in the minivan. Three traveling in the van were killed while the other three van occupants and the driver and passenger in the truck were taken to United Hospital Center, authorities said.
Southbound traffic backed up for miles. It was rerouted around the crash scene through Bridgeport. Northbound traffic was reduced to one lane for several hours.
Reports indicate both vehicles had out-of-state license plates.
Bridgeport police are investigating.