FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
Virginia State Police has identified the victim who was killed in a crash in Franklin County Friday.
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As mentioned in our initial reporting, the crash occurred at about 5 a.m. on Route 220 close to Aviator Drive.
We’re told a Jeep Cherokee was headed north on Route 220 when it ran off the right side of the road, crashing into a Volvo tractor-trailer. Authorities said the tractor-trailer was illegally parked on the right shoulder of the roadway and reported that as a result of the crash, the Jeep and trailer caught fire.
The driver of the Jeep, 36-year-old Latovia O’Brayn Johnson, of Greensboro, North Carolina, died at the scene, authorities said. Virginia State Police said it is unknown at this time whether Johnson was wearing a seat belt.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt in the incident, State troopers said.
The crash remains under investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY
An investigation is underway following a deadly crash in Franklin County, according to Virginia State Police.
State troopers were called to the scene shortly after 5 a.m. on Route 220 northbound near Aviator’s Circle and Goose Dam Rd.
Authorities said the two-vehicle crash involved a tractor-trailer and an SUV. VSP has confirmed that the person driving the SUV was killed in the crash but could not relay when a positive identification of the victim would be provided due to the vehicle fire.
We’re told the tractor-trailer, a mail truck, was illegally parked on the right shoulder of the road when the driver of the SUV crashed into it, causing both to completely burn. Authorities said this incident occurred less than a third of a mile away from a gas station, where the truck could have parked safely.
While no info is available on the truck driver yet, authorities said the mail truck was likely from Greensboro and the driver wasn’t familiar with the area. Authorities said the truck driver was not injured.
State troopers said crews had to rip open the side of the truck with a crane.
The roadway is now open.
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.
