Kanawha County, WV (July 29, 2026) – A five-vehicle wreck shut down both the fast and slow lanes of southbound I-77 near mile marker 104.5 on Tuesday morning, July 28, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. The crash happened just before 10 a.m.
Three ambulances were requested, including for a woman reporting chest pains and another who is eight months pregnant. No other injuries were reported.
The roadway has since reopened. The circumstances remain under investigation. We hope everyone involved is doing okay.
Why Do Responders Treat Chest Pain After a Crash So Seriously?
Chest pain following a crash can point to several possible causes, ranging from bruising against a seat belt to something more serious involving the heart or lungs. Because it’s difficult to distinguish between serious and non-serious chest pain without medical equipment, crews are trained to treat any chest pain as potentially serious until it can be properly evaluated.
Seat belts, while essential for safety, can cause soft-tissue bruising or discomfort across the chest during a hard stop, which can sometimes mimic more concerning symptoms. Ruling out internal injury typically requires imaging and monitoring that can only happen at a hospital.
Pregnancy adds another layer of caution in these situations, since even a seemingly minor jolt can affect both the pregnant person and the pregnancy in ways that aren’t immediately visible. This is part of why medical teams prioritize a pregnant patient for evaluation, even when initial symptoms appear mild.
