Hanover County, VA (February 6, 2026) – Emergency responders were called early Friday morning to a serious multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer along Interstate 95 southbound in Hanover County. The collision occurred near mile marker 89 by the Lewistown Rd exit, leading to a full closure of southbound travel lanes for several hours as crews worked to assist injured victims and clear the scene.
Key Details
- Location: I-95 southbound near mile marker 89, Lewistown Rd exit
- Reported: February 6, around 4:30 AM
- Crash Type: Multi-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer
- Injuries: Two people were transported with non-life-threatening injuries
- Traffic Impact: Southbound lanes closed for several hours; right shoulder remains closed
- Delays: Backups extended past the Ashland exit
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred on I-95 southbound near Lewistown Rd, prompting a full lane closure.
- Emergency responders assisted injured individuals and coordinated cleanup efforts.
- By 7 a.m., all southbound travel lanes had reopened, though the right shoulder remained closed.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The total number of vehicles involved in the crash.
- The specific sequence of events that led to the collision.
- How long the shoulder closure will remain in place.
Local Context
Interstate 95 through Hanover County is a heavily traveled corridor, especially during early morning hours when commuter traffic and commercial vehicles share the roadway. When a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer occurs, responders often need to shut down multiple lanes to create a safe working area for medical care, vehicle recovery, and debris removal. In situations like this, congestion can quickly extend beyond nearby exits such as Ashland, affecting drivers traveling toward Henrico County. Cleanup operations on interstates frequently take additional time due to vehicle size, spilled debris, and the need to reopen lanes safely.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries; call 911 if medical care is needed.
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from responders so the incident can be handled safely.
- If it is safe, document vehicle positions, damage, and roadway conditions with photos.
- Use alternate routes when available and monitor traffic updates, as delays can continue after lanes reopen.
FAQ
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes on interstates take longer to clear?
A: Multiple vehicles, debris, and high-speed traffic require extended lane closures to protect responders and drivers.
Q: Why do crashes involving tractor-trailers cause major delays?
A: Large commercial vehicles can block several lanes and often require specialized equipment for removal.
Q: Why might traffic remain slow even after lanes reopen?
A: Residual congestion and shoulder closures can continue to affect traffic flow until conditions fully normalize.