2 Men Hospitalized after Head-On Collision with Coal Truck on W. Va. 61

July 23, 2010 - Charleston, W. Va. - Two men have been hospitalized following a collision with a coal truck on W.Va. 61 near Beards Fork. The crash occurred at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The Charleston Gazette reports that Justin Davis, 19, and Adam Sizemore, 19, both of Oak Hill, were driving their Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV when the crash occurred. According to the Fayette County Sheriff's Department, the coal truck crossed into opposing traffic and collided with the SUV.

Police stated that Davis, who was driving the SUV, was ejected from the Chevrolet. Sizemore also suffered serious injuries in the collision. Both men were flown via HealthNet to Charleston Area Medical Center. Sizemore was reported to be in critical condition and Davis' condition was stable.

The driver of the coal truck, Larry Evans, 26, received no injuries in the crash. Preliminary investigations revealed that Evans may have been distracted when he crossed the center line. At this time, no charges have been filed against Evans.

Sheriff Steve W. Kessler has issued a reminder to West Virginia drivers to avoid all distractions while driving. Kessler warned, "If you take your attention off the road for even an instant, the results can be tragic."

The W. Va. 61 crash is currently under investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2008 West Virginia Crash Statistics show that there were 380 fatalities as a result of car accidents in West Virginia.

In an effort to raise awareness of common factors in serious and fatal car accidents in West Virginia, our firm routinely publishes news items about traffic crashes in our region.

Common West Virginia accidents include, but are not limited to:

 

• single-car crashes;
• tractor-trailer accidents;
• accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
• distracted driver crashes.

 

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