Woman, man die after three-vehicle crash on Norris Bridge in Lancaster County
VENN
LANCASTER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A woman and a man are dead following a three-vehicle crash on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge in Lancaster County Sunday evening.
At 6:53 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, Virginia State Police responded to a crash on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge, or Route 3, in Lancaster County involving a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV, a Subaru Outback and a Ford Fusion.
According to officials, the investigation showed that the Mercedes-Benz, driven by 30-year-old David Foster of Lancaster County, was heading west on Route 3 while speeding.
Police said Foster attempted to pass another vehicle in the eastbound lane, sideswiping the Subaru Outback before hitting the Ford Fusion head-on.
The passenger in Foster's vehicle, 42-year-old Crystal Michelle Lyles, also of Lancaster County, was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and died due to her injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Ford Fusion, 33-year-old Ernesto Santiago of Hampton died at the scene.
(Photo: Virginia State Police)
(Photo: Virginia State Police)
(Photo: Virginia State Police)
Foster was reportedly airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries,
The driver of the Subaru Outback, a 27-year-old woman of Richmond, was not injured.
Virginia State Police reportedly determined that no one in either the Mercedes-Benz or the Ford Fusion was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Police said speed and alcohol are considered major contributing factors.
A vehicle fire followed the crash. The Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge was damaged from the crash and the vehicle fire.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound lane of the bridge until further notice while emergency inspections are carried out to assess structural integrity.
Officials continue to investigate.
The bridge was previously scheduled for a maintenance project from Monday, July 14, through Saturday, July 19, to replace and strengthen parts of the bridge’s structural steel, according to VDOT. Officials have not shared updates regarding the project following the crash.
