Marion Co, WV (February 17, 2026) – A 47-year-old Burnsville man was killed Monday after his pickup truck collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 79 in Marion County. The crash occurred in the southbound lanes near mile marker 139 and led to a full closure of the roadway for several hours. Authorities later confirmed the interstate reopened by late afternoon.
Key Details
- Reported: February 16, at approximately 1:15 p.m.
- Location: I-79 southbound near mile marker 139, Marion County
- Vehicles Involved: 1995 Ford F-250 and tractor-trailer
- Fatality: David Pardue, 47, of Burnsville
- Traffic Impact: All southbound lanes closed; reopened at 4:40 p.m.
What We Know So Far
- The crash happened around 1:15 p.m. on February 16 in the southbound lanes of I-79.
- Police said the driver of a 1995 Ford F-250 was traveling southbound when the vehicle crossed over the left fog line.
- The pickup struck a safety barrier before crossing the passing lane and colliding with a tractor-trailer.
- David Pardue, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Authorities closed all southbound lanes as of 1:55 p.m., and traffic was backed up nearly 10 miles by mid-afternoon.
- Drivers were encouraged to use Exit 146 at Goshen Rd as a detour.
- Southbound lanes reopened fully at 4:40 p.m.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The condition of the tractor-trailer driver.
- Whether any mechanical or roadway factors contributed to the crash.
- If additional findings will be released following the investigation.
- The results of any follow-up reconstruction analysis.
High-speed corridors such as I-79 near mile marker 139 often carry steady interstate traffic, including large commercial vehicles. When fatal crashes occur in Marion County, responders typically focus on scene stabilization and traffic diversion to reduce the risk of secondary collisions while investigators document roadway evidence.
What to Do Next
- Stay inside your vehicle if moving around traffic is unsafe.
- Use hazard lights to alert approaching drivers if stopped in congestion.
- Note mile markers or exit numbers to accurately document the location.
- Check traffic updates before returning to the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should be documented after a collision?
Drivers should record the time, location, direction of travel, and visible damage. Mile markers, roadway conditions, and contact information can also be helpful for insurance and official reports.
Why are highway crashes involving tractor-trailers often severe?
Large commercial vehicles carry significant weight and momentum. When passenger vehicles collide with them at interstate speeds, the force of impact can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Why might traffic be reduced to one lane or fully closed after a crash?
Major collisions require space for emergency crews, investigators, and towing operations. Temporary closures help protect responders and ensure the roadway is safe before reopening.
