Two N.C. Men Injured In Fatal Va. Crash Involving Three Tractor-Trailers

Two North Carolina men suffered personal injuries in a May 3 crash involving three tractor-trailers in which an Arkansas man died on Interstate 81 near Wytheville, Virginia.

According to reports, 59-year-old Dunn resident Marion F. Dale and 32-year-old Wade resident David Henry Jones were transporting about 30 head of cattle to Cumberland County at the time of the crash.

Trooper Rodney Evans of the Virginia State Police said that the crash took place shortly after 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-81.

Evans said that Dale, the driver, swerved in an attempt to avoid a herd of deer in the highway. He lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and came to rest on its side.

Shortly after that, a second tractor-trailer, driven by 38-year-old West Memphis, Arkansas resident ran into the wrecked vehicle, cutting the cattle trailer in two, Evans said.

Evans said that Collum died at the scene.

According to Evans, a third tractor-trailer came upon the wreckage and swerved in an attempt to avoid it, but also overturned. The driver was not injured.

Evans said that Dale was transported to Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion to undergo treatment for minor injuries and Jones received air transport to Bristol Regional Medical Center. His condition was not immediately known.