Charleston, WV (September 5, 2026) – A truck driver was critically injured on Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle collision on northbound I-77 in Charleston.
The collision was reported shortly before 2 p.m. near the Smith St on-ramp. The truck and a tractor-trailer were involved, according to Kanawha County dispatchers.
The truck driver was alert but in critical condition, according to personnel at the site. The left two northbound lanes were closed while the vehicles were cleared.
The interstate was later fully reopened following cleanup. Further details about what led to the collision were not immediately available, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We hope the injured driver makes a full recovery.
What Can Make Truck and Tractor-Trailer Collisions Serious?
Collisions involving large commercial trucks can cause severe injuries because of differences in vehicle size, weight, and stopping distance. A truck may also require more room to maneuver or slow down, particularly in heavy traffic.
Drivers should maintain a safe following distance around tractor-trailers and avoid lingering in their blind spots. When changing lanes near a large truck, motorists should use turn signals, check mirrors carefully, and allow enough space before moving. These precautions can help reduce the risk of serious roadway injuries.
