CHARLESTON, Kanawha County, W.Va., Oct. 17, 2026 — Two North Carolina women died after their vehicle went off an interstate bridge on Thursday evening, October 15, at the split of Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 in Charleston, according to the Charleston Police Department.
The crash was reported just after 5 p.m. near the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. An eastbound vehicle left the roadway at the interchange and went off the bridge, according to the Charleston Police Department and the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
Police said 59-year-old Lori Fernandez of Shallotte, North Carolina, and 58-year-old Janet Bookout, 58, of Calabash, North Carolina, died in the wreck. One of the two was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other died after being taken to a hospital, investigators said. A third occupant of the vehicle was hospitalized and listed in stable condition, the department reported.
The crash remains under investigation. Charleston police have not released what led the vehicle to leave the roadway. The transportation department said in a statement that every crash has its own circumstances and that officials are working to understand the facts before concluding the investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
More on Crashes in Charleston, WV
This crash happened at Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 in Charleston, WV. We cover crashes across Kanawha County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Kanawha County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Interstate crashes are usually linked to a mix of factors, including speed, following too closely, impaired or distracted driving, and road or weather conditions. Investigators generally review all of these before determining a cause.
Why does speed make a crash more severe?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in a collision. Even a modest increase in speed can turn a survivable crash into a fatal one.
How do distracted drivers contribute to interstate wrecks?
Looking away from the road for even a few seconds, usually to check a phone, can mean missing a lane drift, a stopped vehicle ahead, or a curve in the roadway, especially at highway speeds.
Can weather or road design play a role in a crash like this?
Wet pavement, poor visibility, and complex interchange layouts can all make it harder for drivers to react in time. Investigators typically examine road conditions alongside driver behavior when determining what happened.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Charleston, WV
If you're involved in a crash on an interstate or interchange, try to move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a crash don't show symptoms immediately. Exchange information with anyone else involved, and if you witnessed a crash, consider sharing what you saw or any video footage with local police, as investigators usually rely on public tips to piece together what happened. Keep a record of any medical visits, police reports, or documentation related to the crash in case you need them later.
