A deadly early-morning crash on I-66 near Manassas Battlefield Park brought traffic to a standstill Wednesday, leaving one person dead and prompting a major emergency response in Prince William County. Virginia State Police have confirmed that all eastbound lanes have since reopened, though delays lingered for hours.
Crash Leaves One Person Dead and Traffic at a Standstill
The collision occurred around 5:20 a.m. near the VA-234 / Prince William Parkway exit, close to Manassas National Battlefield Park. According to Virginia State Police, the crash involved a pickup truck and a sedan.
Emergency responders found one victim trapped and unconscious inside their vehicle. Authorities confirmed the individual died at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released as officials are awaiting family notification. Traffic camera footage showed miles of cars backed up as commuters were forced to sit for extended periods during the morning rush.
Eastbound Lanes Reopen After Hours of Delay
By mid-morning, state police confirmed that all eastbound lanes on I-66 had reopened. However, the crash site remained active on the right shoulder, with crews continuing cleanup operations and vehicle recovery.
Drivers traveling through the area experienced significant residual delays even after lanes reopened, due to the severity of the initial backup.
Investigation Underway Into What Caused the Crash
Virginia State Police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not released information about what may have led to the collision, nor whether weather or speed contributed to the deadly impact. More details are expected once investigators complete their review and family notifications are made.
Summary
A tragic crash on I-66 near Manassas claimed one life and caused hours-long delays for commuters before all eastbound lanes reopened. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision as the community awaits further updates. Stay updated with breaking news and developing traffic stories at HonkNews.com.