‘Looked real terrible’: Henrico sign spinner dead after tractor-trailer flips, pins him
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Henrico County sign spinner is dead and a tractor-trailer driver is fighting for his life after a devastating crash Thursday morning.
The Henrico County Police Division said the crash happened around 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and South Laburnum Avenue.
"It looked real terrible," one neighbor told 8News. "I was trying to think the best, but yet prepare for the worst."
Police said a small straight-truck collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection, causing the trailer to jackknife and flip over. It fell onto the man, pinning him. He died at the scene.
Police said he was a sign spinner at a business in the area, though the exact business he worked at has not been confirmed.
"I’ve seen a guy out there -- I guess promoting sales for the restaurant and pizza," the neighbor said.
A Sept. 4 deadly crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and S. Laburnum Avenue. (Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)
A Sept. 4 deadly crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and S. Laburnum Avenue. (Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)
A Sept. 4 deadly crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and S. Laburnum Avenue. (Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)
A Sept. 4 deadly crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and S. Laburnum Avenue. (Photo: Henrico County Police Division)
Henrico Police spokesperson Karina Bolster confirmed the driver of the tractor-trailer had to be extricated from the cab of the truck. He was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
"This was the second pedestrian fatality within the last 24 hours," Bolster said. "We are really advising our motorists, our bicyclists, our pedestrians, to be aware of your surroundings."
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She added that the tractor-trailer was hauling a heavy load when it tipped over as a result of the crash.
After the initial incident, two secondary crashes followed, involving two vehicles. A third vehicle and an unattended motorcycle sustained damage from debris in the original crash, according to police.
Neighbors said the deadly crash is a reminder to drive with caution.
"Not only this intersection, but, I mean -- all over," a neighbor said. "People need to drive safe. I think distraction is a key point."
Roads in the area were closed until about 7 p.m. on Thursday, but have since reopened.
Police are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact them as the investigation continues.
