FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA — As investigators continue piecing together the chain of events that killed two truck drivers on Interstate 81 in Frederick County Thursday night, eyewitnesses and experienced truckers who saw or heard the crash are sharing accounts that paint a clearer picture of what happened — and why the driver of the car that triggered it may not have realized what he was getting into.
What the First Trucker on Scene Saw
Bryce Harrison, a tractor-trailer driver traveling from Connecticut to South Carolina, was among the first to arrive after the crash and explosions. He described what he saw as unlike anything he had witnessed in his driving career.
“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Harrison said. He described explosions rising above a nearby four-story hotel and traveling across the interstate. The highway was closed for about three and a half hours as first responders worked to extinguish the flames.
Harrison used the moment to speak to a broader issue on American highways. “Serious crashes with commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles happen a lot more than people realize,” he said. “Drivers must remain attentive and give tractor-trailers additional time and space to slow down.”
“It’s a terrible tragedy, and it’s so unfortunate that this happened. My heart goes out to the truck drivers that are out there,” Harrison said.
A Neighbor Heard It From Their Garage
A resident who lives near the crash site said the sound reached them at home. “I was in my garage when this happened, the sound of this crash scared me. I didn’t know what was going on. I live close to where it happened. Prayers for the drivers and families. So heartbreaking.”
The Doubles Blind Spot — An Experienced Trucker’s Take
An experienced doubles driver who commented on coverage of the crash offered a detailed account of why the car driver may not have seen the second trailer coming.
According to this account, the truck was pulling doubles — two trailers connected by a dolly. The car driver appears to have thought the first trailer had cleared when they moved over, not realizing a second trailer was still there. “The car hit in between the two trailers where the dolly is,” the commenter wrote. “The driver of the car thought they cleared the first trailer and didn’t know that he was hauling another one and merged over too quick.”
The driver elaborated on the visibility problem. “If the timing is off, like a second or two, especially at night, one would not see the other trailer. The only lights someone would see is the lights on the back of the first trailer. You have about 3 feet to see the dolly lights and the lights on the dolly are under the second trailer — that’s what I would call a blind spot. But in this case, you won’t see the reflection if the car lights are not aiming at the trailers.”
Another commenter put it plainly: “The car didn’t know the truck was a double. It’s not like the sides are illuminated. He saw the first trailer pass and he moved over to ride behind the truck.” The same commenter noted that while the crash may have involved a tragic misread of the situation, the car driver will still face charges. “Yes it’s involuntary manslaughter. Yes the driver will be charged.”
The Charges
Mario A. Saldivar-Romaro of Rockingham, Virginia, was charged with reckless driving following the crash. Virginia State Police said additional charges are possible following consultation with the Frederick County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.
Russell R. Haskins, 64, of Altavista, Virginia, and Jeffrey J. Hudnell, 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were killed. Haskins died at the scene. Hudnell died after being transported to a hospital.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community accounts courtesy of eyewitnesses and trucking professionals.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
