Driver killed in Sussex crash, VSP asking for help finding other involved vehicle

SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police is asking for the public's help to identify a vehicle involved in a deadly crash in Sussex County on Thursday.

At 2:47 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, Virginia State Police said troopers were on scene at 5214 General Mahone Highway in Sussex County for a deadly single-vehicle crash.

(Photo: Virginia State Police)

(Photo: Virginia State Police)

According to officials, the crash occurred at 1:46 p.m. as the operator of a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer, loaded with car parts and batteries, was traveling westbound on General Mahone Highway, west of Spring Branch Road.

Preliminary investigations revealed that while traveling westbound on General Mahone Highway, another unidentified commercial vehicle traveling in the eastbound lanes lost its load cover -- which is a detached canvas tarp with a metal frame.

The load cover reportedly hit the driver's side area of the 2020 Freightliner's windshield, which caused the driver to become unconscious upon impact.

The Freightliner then traveled out of the westbound lanes, crossed over the eastbound lanes and into the tree line, where the vehicle hit several trees, according to authorities. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, died.

The crash caused the roadway to shut down and detours to be put in place. Virginia State Police said the road has since been reopened to traffic as of around 6 p.m.

The identity of the driver is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Virginia State Police is asking for any witnesses who may have seen or know the unidentified commercial vehicle to contact the agency at questions@vsp.virginia.gov or by calling 804-750-8789.