Carroll County, VA (November 21, 2024) – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on I-77 northbound near mile marker 9 claimed the lives of two individuals early Tuesday morning. The Virginia State Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of the crash at approximately 2:55 AM.
According to authorities, the crash occurred when a Mercedes Benz CLA250, driven by Nicholas R. Oleski, 34, of Cleveland, Ohio, veered off the left side of the road and struck a guardrail. The impact caused the Mercedes to spin back into the roadway, where it was struck by a Ford F450. The vehicle then spun again and collided with the side of a Volvo VNR tractor-trailer.
The Volvo truck veered off the right side of the road, and the Mercedes spun a final time into a 2025 Peterbilt tractor-trailer before coming to a stop on the right shoulder.
Nicholas R. Oleski was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A passenger in the Mercedes, Justine A. Hitchcock, 34, also of Cleveland, Ohio, died at the scene. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Virginia State Police are investigating the sequence of events and potential contributing factors, such as road conditions, speed, or mechanical issues.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Mr. Oleski and Ms. Hitchcock during this difficult time.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Virginia
Multi-vehicle crashes, such as the one on I-77 in Carroll County, highlight the complexity and severity of incidents involving multiple large vehicles. Highways like I-77, which are critical for commercial and commuter traffic, are particularly prone to chain-reaction collisions when vehicles lose control or veer unexpectedly.
Collisions involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles often have devastating outcomes due to the size and weight differences between the vehicles. Guardrail impacts and subsequent spinouts, as seen in this crash, exacerbate the dangers by creating unpredictable hazards for other motorists.
Virginia State Police are thorough in their investigations, examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior to determine the causes of these crashes. Findings are crucial for identifying safety improvements to reduce similar incidents.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a multi-vehicle crash, seeking medical care and legal guidance is vital to addressing the aftermath.
Local Accident Reports is dedicated to providing accurate updates on roadway incidents and promoting public safety awareness. If you have additional information about this accident or others, please share it to support community safety efforts.