FREDERICK COUNTY, VA. (THECOUNT) — Russell “Rusty” Haskins, 64, of Altavista, Virginia, and Jeffrey Hudnell, 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been identified as the truck drivers killed in an explosive crash involving oxygen tanks Thursday night on Interstate 81 in Frederick County, Virginia, near Winchester and the West Virginia border.
According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. when Mario Saldivar-Romaro, of Rockingham, Virginia, allegedly failed to yield to traffic while entering southbound I-81. Investigators said Saldivar-Romaro crossed two lanes and struck a tractor-trailer.
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The tractor-trailer then veered across the interstate median and into the path of a northbound truck carrying oxygen tanks.
The collision caused the oxygen tanks to explode, damaging multiple vehicles in the area. A Frederick County Sheriff’s Department vehicle and a civilian vehicle in a parking lot east of the interstate were among those damaged.
Haskins, the tractor-trailer driver, died at the scene.
Hudnell, who was driving the truck carrying the oxygen tanks, was transported from the scene to a hospital. He later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Saldivar-Romaro was not injured in the crash. State Police said he was charged with reckless driving. Additional charges are pending consultation with the Frederick County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Investigators have not indicated whether alcohol or illicit substances influenced the crash. Authorities also have not said whether Saldivar-Romaro was speeding.
The crash investigation forced the closure of I-81 for several hours overnight as emergency crews responded to the wreckage, fire and damaged vehicles. As of approximately 9:30 a.m., two northbound lanes remained closed to traffic.
Virginia State Police continue to investigate the collision. Officials have not released additional information concerning possible charges, the condition of any other involved motorists or the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.
The charges against Saldivar-Romaro are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Frederick County is located in northwestern Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, along the West Virginia border and near the Winchester metropolitan area. Interstate 81 is a major north-south route through the region, connecting Virginia with West Virginia, Maryland and points farther south.
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