Virginia State Police say a L.A man was killed in a five-vehicle crash that included a tanker tractor-trailer on I-81 in Roanoke County on September 11th.
According to VSP, around 10:09 pm on Monday, a 2003 Ford Excursion was traveling south on Interstate 81 near the 134-mile marker when the driver allegedly crossed the median and struck a 2015 Ford Expedition, a 2022 Kia, and a 2023 Nissan. The collision caused the Excursion to flip over and ignite into flames.
A 2022 Mark tractor-trailer then collided with the Kia, killing 26-year-old Mason Cuba Gooding of Palm Beach Shores, FL.
VSP says Mr. Gooding was dead at the scene and it is unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt. A female passenger inside the Kia also suffered life-threatening injuries. She was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment. Her condition is currently unknown.
I-81 was closed for an extended period while HAZMAT crews and VDEM cleared the area of fuel and vapors contained in the trailer.