Snow & Ice Likely Factors in Deadly Head-On Collision on Route 57

January 25, 2011 - Harrison County, W.Va. - Two people were killed and 4 more were injured Friday in a head-on collision on Route 57.

WDTV reports that the crash occurred just before 3 p.m. Friday on Route 57 in Harrison County. According to officials, a Ford Escort drove across the center line and into the opposite lane of traffic, where it collided head on with a Ford Ranger.

The driver of the Escort, Richard Beckwith, and his front seat passenger, Misty Sullivan, both died on the scene. Beckwith was described as being in his late 20s to early 30s and Sullivan was described as being in her mid-20s.

Two backseat passengers in the Escort, Robert Sullivan and David Pine, were transported to United Hospital Center immediately following the accident. Both have since been flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital. The medical condition of either patient is unknown at this time.

The driver of the Ranger, Ira Freeman, and his passenger, Riley Freeman, were also transported to United Hospital Center after the accident. Both have since been treated and released.

Investigators have stated that snow and ice on the roadways were contributing factors in the fatal wreck. Whether or not other factors were involved is unknown at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 West Virginia Crash Statistics show that there were 356 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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