Kanawha County, WV (May 14, 2026) – A crash involving a tractor-trailer and a box truck temporarily shut down portions of the West Virginia Turnpike early Thursday morning near Chesapeake, according to dispatchers.
Officials said the collision was reported just before 4 a.m. near mile marker 85 on Interstate 77 southbound. Emergency crews responded to the scene and closed the southbound lanes due to the crash and cleanup operations.
Authorities also temporarily closed northbound lanes while crews worked to clear debris from the roadway. Northbound traffic reopened shortly before 5 a.m., while southbound lanes remained closed for a longer period before eventually reopening later in the day.
The circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been released, and the incident remains under investigation.
Commercial Vehicle Crashes on Interstate Highways
Crashes involving large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and box trucks can create major traffic disruptions, especially on busy interstate corridors. Debris from these collisions often requires extensive cleanup efforts and may lead to lane closures lasting several hours.
Officials encourage drivers to remain cautious when traveling near commercial vehicles, maintain safe following distances, and reduce speed in construction zones or during overnight travel. Quick response from emergency crews helps minimize additional hazards and restore traffic flow safely.
