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Tractor-trailer driver charged in connection with fatal crash on I-81 in Botetourt County

State police said 30-year-old Michael Kreul died after crash

Deadly crash on Interstate 81 on July 29, 2020. (Virginia State Police)

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va.LATEST

State police said the man who died in a crash on Interstate 81 south in Botetourt County on Wednesday morning was 30-year-old Michael Kreul, of Lexington.

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A tractor-trailer driver involved in the crash has been charged after state police said they were illegally parked on the side of the interstate.

Kreul was headed south on I-81 in a Dodge Ram when he ran off the right side of the road and hit a tractor-trailer that was parked illegally on the shoulder.

The Dodge Ram ended up in the left lane and was hit by a Freightliner.

The drivers of the tractor-trailers were not hurt.

Kreul was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after the crash where he later died.

UPDATE

A man is dead after a tractor-trailer crash on I-81S in Botetourt County, according to Virginia State Police.

Authorities say a pickup truck hit an illegally parked tractor parked on the shoulder near mile marker 158 around 5:15 a.m. According to police, the pickup then rested in the road and was hit by another tractor-trailer going south.

The man was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where police say he later died.

Troopers say they are working to notify family.

According to police, I-81 will remain blocked until the vehicles are removed. A detour has been set up at exit 162.

The crash remains under investigation.

ORIGINAL

A tractor-trailer crash has closed I-81S in Botetourt County, according to VDOT.

Authorities say the crash happened near mile marker 158. As of 6:50 a.m., traffic is backed up for about 2 miles.

Drivers should expect delays.

Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.