Dozens Injured in “Apocalyptic” 69-Vehicle Pileup

December 22, 2019

York County, VA – A massive 69-vehicle pileup Sunday morning along I-64 in Virginia left dozens injured.

Virginia State Police (VSP) reported the accident occurred at approximately 7:51 a.m. along westbound Interstate 64 near Williamsburg.

Investigators say icy and foggy conditions along the Queens Creek Bridge likely contributed to the chain reaction crash.

Authorities report a total of 69-vehicles were involved in the wreck, though it is unclear how many commercial big rigs were involved.

A total 51 people were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of injuries.

While some of the injuries were disclosed as “critical,” no casualties have been reported at this time, according to a VSP spokesperson.

Bray Hollowell, a motorist involved in the accident, described the scene to local news outlet WTVR as “apocalyptic.”

“It really just got foggy really quick and I was just driving on the bridge and then out of nowhere I see an accident. And I just brake and yeah, I couldn’t really do much to avoid it. [I] just ran into people,” Hollowell said.

Hollowell posted a brief video of the scene to Twitter revealing the mangled wreckage.

I-64 accident this morning pic.twitter.com/xD1DjLMY1k
— Bray Hollowell (@Brayhollowell42) December 22, 2019

Hollowell also expressed gratitude that, so far, no one has lost their life due to the accident.

“Everybody is really lucky. I don’t know the extent of everybody’s injuries, I don’t know any of that, but from what I saw and from the amount of people who were able to walk, you know, and just kind of go on with their lives is really fortunate and something I’m grateful for.”

Crews worked for hours to clear the scene and assist victims.

An image posted to Facebook by the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office reveals just how difficult it was for emergency responders to help get motorists out of their vehicles.

The pileup led to long traffic delays, but westbound lanes were opened again at approximately 3 p.m., according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

No one has been charged at this time, but VSP says its investigation is ongoing.