FREDERICK COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash that occurred June 23, 2026, at 9:49 a.m. on Interstate 81 northbound at the 309-mile marker in Frederick County.

According to Public Relations Coordinator Matthew Demlein, a tractor trailer was heading southbound on Interstate 81 southbound when it went off of the interstate and through the median. The tractor trailer then entered the northbound lanes and struck a second tractor trailer head-on, causing a fire. The collision also forced both vehicles into a third tractor trailer, which was travelling northbound.

A northbound sedan also swerved to avoid the crash and struck the guardrail.

The driver of the first tractor trailer travelling southbound died at the scene. His name was not released pending notification of relative.

The driver of the second tractor trailer has life-threatening injuries. The driver of the third tractor trailer was not injured.