CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two people are hospitalized with critical injuries after a tractor trailer toppled over the elevated interstate in Charleston Wednesday morning.
The crash occurred at about 5:47 a.m. south on Interstate 77 near the Leon Sullivan Way exit. The tractor landed below not far from Summers Street in downtown Charleston.
Charleston police said the driver lost control of the semi as it was making a turn, jolting the vehicle across the concrete barrier.
While the driver was ejected from the tractor trailer during the crash, the passenger got trapped inside. Charleston fire crews had to remove the passenger from the vehicle. Both were taken to a nearby hospital after suffering critical injuries.
Their names have not been released.
Morning rush hour traffic backed up for several miles. All lanes of Interstate 77 South were reopened at 8:05 a.m.
Charleston police said the investigation is ongoing and more information is to come.
