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Chatham, VA (June 7, 2026) – A collision involving a tractor-trailer and a Virginia Department of Transportation vehicle along US 29 near Chatham left two people injured on Friday, June 5.
The crash was reported at approximately 11:16 a.m. Emergency units arriving at the roadway found a tractor-trailer positioned across the highway and on fire. An overturned VDOT buffer truck was also discovered in the southbound lanes nearby.
Crews worked to extinguish the fire and contain diesel fuel leaking from the tractor-trailer while medical personnel evaluated the drivers. According to the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department, both operators were able to exit their vehicles following the collision.
One driver was flown to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The second driver was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Officials continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the resulting fire. We are thinking of those hurt.
Why Buffer Trucks Are Used in Highway Work Zones
Buffer trucks are commonly used during roadway operations to help shield workers and equipment from approaching traffic. These vehicles are often equipped with impact-absorbing devices designed to reduce the force of a collision if another vehicle enters the work zone.
Crashes involving large commercial trucks and highway service vehicles can become especially hazardous when fuel spills or fires occur. Diesel leaks may create slippery roadway conditions and require extensive cleanup before traffic can safely resume.
After work-zone collisions, investigators typically examine traffic flow, vehicle positioning, and roadway warnings that were present before the crash. They may also review whether visibility, speed, or lane changes contributed to the sequence leading up to the collision.
