By Becky Robinette Wright
Three vehicles were stopped at the red light at the southbound Chippenham Parkway ramp to Hopkins Road on Jan. 21 around 7:40 p.m. when they were rear ended by a speeding vehicle,officials said,causing the vehicles to crash into one another spreading debris and injuring occupants.
The vehicles involved were a 1993 Ford Explorer,a 2009 Ford Escape,a 2008 Toyota Tacoma and a 2004 Ford 350 pickup truck.
“ The striking vehicle was the 2004 Ford 350 pickup truck,” said Sgt. Tom Cunningham of the Virginia State Police.” The 2004 pickup struck the Tacoma,which struck the Escape,then struck the Explorer.”
First responders had to stabilize the vehicles,stand by with fire hose because of the threat of fire and explosion and with the use of hydraulic tools remove the occupants of the vehicles that were mangled together.
“ One adult and a seven year old were seriously injured,” said Cunningham.
Officials said it was reported to them that a Hispanic male who was the alleged driver of the striking vehicle fled on foot after the crash.Authorities say that they have suspicions that the driver may not have fled,but was still on scene attempting to pass himself off as a victim.
“It is believed that excessive speed and possibly alcohol contributed to the crash,” explained Cunningham. Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have any information are asked to call the Virginia State Police at 553-3445.
The investigating trooper is S.C. Molden.