Wednesday, April 23
As of 4:25 PM all lanes in both directions of I-77 around exit 24 (near the New River Bridge) are blocked due to a serious accident.  According to scanner traffic, at least two cars (a Subaru and Honda) are “demolished” and at least one tractor trailer is involved.  A state police officer reported “2-3 DOA”.  Helicopters are inbound, and all I-77 South traffic is being diverted to route 52 at the Fort Chiswell Exit 80.

All this information is from monitoring scanner traffic, and I don’t have any verification.

Dan

As of 5:50 PM 77 S is partially re-opened. but it will take quite a while for traffic to clear.  A Wythe County deputy reported that traffic was backed up on route 52 from the traffic light in Fort Chiswell at route 94 all the way to the interstate at exit 80.

One victim was flown to Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, one transported by ambulance to Baptist Medical Center, and two transported to Wythe County Community Hospital.

Dan

7:25 PM
Only the right southbound lane of I-77 is open at this time.  A wrecked tractor-trailer is still blocking the left lane.

Dan

7:32 PM
All lanes are open.

Dan

8:05 PM
State police reports normal traffic flow on I-77.

Dan

This was such a tragic accident! I was stuck in traffic for most of the time...late to church, and never made it where I was originally headed.  The police did a fantastic job of safely directing traffic once it got going again, though, including merging those from 52 back onto 77 at Poplar Camp after the accident.  Thanks to them, I stayed safe! I don’t do well in situations like that.