MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A tragic multi-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday morning near the 149-mile marker of Interstate 79, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries, according to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident, which took place around 7:19 a.m., forced the closure of both directions of the interstate for approximately five hours as authorities worked to reconstruct the accident. Details were initially unclear, with reports indicating the involvement of three or four vehicles.
Two individuals who were injured in the crash were promptly transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment, although their condition and the extent of their injuries were not disclosed by the sheriff’s office.
As the investigation into the accident remains ongoing, the sheriff’s office has refrained from releasing further details at this time. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact authorities at 304-291-7260.
Following the incident, all lanes of Interstate 79 were reopened by 12:22 p.m. as confirmed by the Monongalia County Emergency Management Agency through their official Facebook page.
Earlier reports indicated that the interstate closure was a result of a fatal accident involving multiple vehicles. Emergency responders remained at the scene to assess the situation, with at least one fatality reported. The 911 center could not provide an exact number of individuals requiring transportation.
The closure of the interstate is expected to last for an extended period as crews continue the reconstruction process. Updates on the situation can be found on the official Facebook page of the Monongalia County Emergency Management Agency and WV511.org. Despite partial northbound lane reopening, traffic southbound remained closed.
As more information becomes available, this article will be updated to provide readers with the latest details on the tragic accident along Interstate 79 in Morgantown, West Virginia.