Tragedy on I-295: West Virginia Passenger Killed After Car Slams Into Parked Tractor-Trailer in Henrico County—Virginia State Police Investigating Early Morning Crash
HENRICO COUNTY, VA (May 20, 2025) — A tragic collision on Interstate 295 North in the early morning hours of Monday has left one person dead and others shaken, as authorities work to determine what caused a vehicle to crash into a parked tractor-trailer along the busy Virginia highway.
According to the Virginia State Police, the accident occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. near mile marker 31 in Henrico County. The vehicle, a passenger sedan traveling northbound, veered off the roadway and slammed into the rear of a legally parked and unoccupied tractor-trailer on the right shoulder. The impact of the crash was severe, and first responders arrived quickly to find the passenger of the sedan unresponsive.
The passenger, who has since been identified as a resident of West Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not yet released the individual’s name pending notification of family members. The driver of the sedan was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators have not confirmed the cause of the crash, but they are exploring several possible factors, including driver fatigue, impairment, speed, and distracted driving. The area where the incident occurred is known for heavy truck traffic, particularly in the early morning hours, as commercial drivers travel through the Richmond metropolitan region.
“This is a devastating loss of life, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time,” said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, spokesperson for the Virginia State Police. “Our crash reconstruction team is thoroughly examining all aspects of this case, including vehicle data and road conditions, to determine exactly what happened.”
The collision closed portions of I-295 North for several hours as troopers and emergency crews worked the scene. Drivers were detoured to alternate routes, leading to significant delays during the morning commute. Cleanup crews cleared the wreckage by mid-morning, and all lanes were reopened shortly before 10:00 a.m.
Truck drivers and local commuters who passed the crash site described a harrowing scene. Skid marks leading from the roadway to the shoulder were visible, and the sedan appeared to have suffered catastrophic front-end damage. The tractor-trailer, though unoccupied, sustained damage to its rear trailer door.
This latest crash adds to a troubling pattern of early-morning accidents on Virginia highways. Data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles indicates that the hours between midnight and 6:00 a.m. see a disproportionate number of fatal accidents, many of them involving single-vehicle collisions or drivers running off the road.
As investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events, officials are also reminding drivers to remain vigilant and alert, especially during the early morning hours when visibility is limited and fatigue is more likely to impair judgment.
“This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder that our actions behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences,” said Anaya. “We urge everyone to take extra precautions—get rest before long trips, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.”
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
As of Tuesday morning, no charges have been filed, and the name of the driver has not been released. The Virginia State Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
This heartbreaking accident leaves a family in mourning and a community grappling with the sudden loss of a life. More information is expected to be released in the coming days as the investigation develops.