Adult and Child Injured After SUV Overturns and Catches Fire on I-64 Ramp at Northampton Boulevard [Norfolk, VA]

An adult and a child were taken to the hospital Friday night after an SUV overturned, struck a tree and caught fire near an Interstate 64 off-ramp in Norfolk, according to Norfolk Fire-Rescue.

What Happened at the I-64 Off-Ramp

According to Norfolk Fire-Rescue, crews responded around 8 p.m. on Friday, October 23, to a single-vehicle crash at the I-64 eastbound off-ramp for Northampton Boulevard.

A preliminary investigation indicates the SUV went off the left side of the road, overturned, struck a tree and caught fire.

When crews arrived, two adults and a child were sitting on the ground outside the vehicle. One of the adults and the child were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. As of this writing, officials have not released the names of those involved or additional details about what led to the crash.

We are grateful that all three occupants were outside the SUV when crews arrived, and we wish the adult and child who were injured a full recovery. We also thank the Norfolk Fire-Rescue crews who responded.

The I-64 and Northampton Boulevard Interchange

The interchange where I-64 meets Northampton Boulevard is one of the busiest in Norfolk, connecting interstate traffic with routes toward Virginia Beach, Norfolk International Airport and nearby neighborhoods and businesses. Drivers leaving the interstate there must slow down from highway speeds and navigate curves, merges and traffic signals.

This area has seen several crashes recently. Earlier this month, three people, including two juveniles, were hurt in a three-vehicle crash on I-64 West near Northampton Boulevard.

Off-ramps can present risks if drivers enter them too fast, misjudge a curve or are distracted when traffic slows. Darkness may also make it harder to judge distance and road edges. The specific factors involved in Friday’s crash have not been released, and the investigation may provide more information about how it occurred.

Why Rollover and Single-Vehicle Crashes Happen

• Speed on ramps and curves: Entering an exit ramp too quickly may cause a driver to lose control.

• Overcorrecting: A sudden steering correction after drifting off the road may cause a vehicle, especially a taller SUV, to roll.

• Distraction or fatigue: A brief lapse in attention may lead a driver to leave the roadway.

• Road conditions: Wet pavement, debris or poor visibility may contribute to a loss of control.

• Vehicle problems: Tire failures or other mechanical issues may play a role in some crashes.

Tips for Exiting the Interstate Safely

• Slow down before the ramp. Reduce speed on the interstate before entering the exit, not after.

• Watch posted ramp speeds. Advisory speed signs on curves and ramps indicate safer speeds for those conditions.

• Avoid sudden steering. If your tires drift off the pavement, ease off the accelerator and steer back gradually.

• Stay alert at night. Use headlights and watch for the road edge and traffic slowing ahead.

Injuries in Rollover and Vehicle Fire Crashes

Rollover crashes can cause serious injuries because occupants may be thrown around inside the vehicle or strike the roof, doors and windows. Injuries may include head trauma, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, broken bones, cuts from broken glass and internal injuries. When a vehicle catches fire, burns and smoke inhalation may also be concerns.

Children may have trouble describing their symptoms. Parents may want to watch for changes in behavior, sleep, appetite or complaints of headaches or pain in the days after a crash and share any concerns with a doctor. A prompt medical evaluation can help identify injuries and document the treatment received.

What to Do if a Vehicle Catches Fire After a Crash

Vehicle fires after crashes are uncommon, but they can happen quickly when fuel lines, batteries or electrical systems are damaged. If you are in a crash and notice smoke, flames or the smell of fuel, getting everyone out of the vehicle and moving a safe distance away may help prevent further injury.

• Turn off the engine if you can. This may reduce the risk of the fire spreading.

• Get out and help others out if it is safe. Unbuckle children first if they cannot do so themselves.

• Move well away from the vehicle. Stay clear of traffic and stand upwind if possible.

• Do not go back for belongings. Personal items can be replaced.

• Call 911. Tell the dispatcher the vehicle is on fire so the right crews respond.

Who May Be Responsible in a Single-Vehicle Crash?

Single-vehicle crashes can raise different questions than collisions between two cars. Investigators may examine the driver’s actions, road conditions, and whether a vehicle or tire defect contributed to the collision. Passengers generally do not control the vehicle, so their potential claims may be evaluated differently from a driver’s. The cause of Friday’s crash remains under investigation, and officials have not identified any contributing factors.

Passengers injured in a crash may have potential legal options through the driver’s liability insurance, depending on the circumstances. For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Va. Code § 46.2-472 requires liability coverage of at least $50,000 for injury or death of one person, $100,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. Other insurance coverage may also become relevant depending on the circumstances and applicable policy terms.

Why Evidence Matters Early

After a vehicle fire, physical evidence may be limited. Photos of the scene, the vehicle’s final position, tire marks, damage to the tree or guardrail, witness statements, dashcam footage and the official crash report may help clarify what happened. Keeping the vehicle and any damaged parts available for inspection, when possible, may also be important if questions arise about a mechanical problem.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

Injured people may be contacted by insurance adjusters soon after a crash, sometimes before they have finished medical treatment. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or broad access to medical records. Statements given before all the facts are known can sometimes be used to dispute a claim later. Reviewing the crash report, medical records and available coverage before giving detailed statements may help an injured person, or a parent acting for an injured child, better understand their options.

What to Do After a Highway Crash

• Get to safety and call 911. If a vehicle is smoking or on fire, move away from it if you can do so safely.

• Seek medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can help identify hidden injuries.

• Document the scene if it is safe. Photos and notes may help later.

• Ask for the report number. You will need it to request a copy of the crash report.

• Notify your insurance company. Report the crash promptly and review your policy’s requirements.

Filing Deadlines in Virginia

Virginia’s contributory negligence rule can significantly affect injury claims, and the facts of each crash matter. Under Va. Code § 8.01-243(A), most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the injury. When the injured person is a minor, Va. Code § 8.01-229(A)(1) generally allows the action to be brought within the prescribed limitation period after the disability is removed, subject to exceptions. Separate deadlines may apply to related claims. An attorney who handles car accident cases can help evaluate the available evidence and applicable deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the SUV fire crash in Norfolk happen?

According to Norfolk Fire-Rescue, the single-vehicle crash happened around 8 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at the I-64 eastbound off-ramp for Northampton Boulevard in Norfolk.

Was anyone hurt in the I-64 SUV crash?

Yes. Two adults and a child were outside the SUV when crews arrived. One adult and the child were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

What caused the SUV to overturn?

A preliminary investigation indicates the SUV went off the left side of the road, overturned, struck a tree and caught fire. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Can a passenger file an injury claim after a single-vehicle crash?

Depending on the circumstances, an injured passenger may have potential legal options through the driver’s liability insurance or other available coverage. Whether a claim is available depends on the facts of the crash and the applicable insurance policies.

A rollover crash can leave families facing injuries, medical bills and difficult questions about what went wrong. If you or your child was hurt in a crash in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth or Suffolk, our Norfolk personal injury lawyers can review the circumstances and help you understand your options. William Breit brings decades of Hampton Roads trial experience to every case at Breit Law, and you can contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

Source: WAVY

Map showing the I-64 eastbound off-ramp to Northampton Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia, where an SUV overturned, struck a tree and caught fire on October 23, 2026.