News: 2 dead after car hits tree, catches fire on I-64 in Newport News

NEWPORT NEWS, VA — A fiery single-vehicle collision Monday evening in northwest Newport News has claimed the lives of two people, according to WAVY.

Virginia State Police said the fatal wreck occurred near mile marker 427, near the exit to Yorktown Road, in the Lee Hall area. It was first reported at about 6:13 p.m.

An early investigation found that a 2016 Ford Econoline was heading westbound in the far left lane when, for reasons still unclear, it veered out of the lane, traveled across the entire roadway and then left the interstate. The vehicle then collided with a tree and caught fire.

Both the driver and their passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. At the time of WAVY’s report, the Office of the Medical Examiner was working to make a positive identification of the victims.

Authorities had the center lane, right lane, and right shoulder, as well as Exit 247, shut down during the emergency response and investigation. By 8:00 p.m., all travel lanes had reopened, but the west Exit 247 remained blocked past Monday evening.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) traffic cameras at the scene captured a heavy response from Newport News Fire Department emergency responders. Westbound commuters faced a significant traffic backup.

No other information has been made available at this time.

Were you or a loved one the victim of a recent Newport News car crash caused by another person’s recklessness? Following a painful event, Breit Law’s Newport News car accident attorneys are here to help your family navigate the complex legal process and pursue your rightful compensation. Contact us today at 757-828-2377 to book a free consultation.