Multi-Vehicle Crashes Shut Down I-81 in Berkeley County, No Injuries Reported
MARTINSBURG, WV — A sudden burst of heavy rain caused a chain of crashes that shut down a stretch of Interstate 81 southbound in Berkeley County Tuesday afternoon, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Series of Crashes Near Mile Marker 7.5–9
The incident began around 3:56 p.m. when a Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a camper jackknifed between the 7.5 and 9 mile markers, blocking traffic.
This led to a chain reaction of five separate accidents involving a total of nine vehicles:
- Six commercial trucks
- Three passenger vehicles
Two tractor-trailers and two passenger cars required towing from the scene.
Highway Closed Nearly Two Hours
The southbound lanes of I-81 were closed for nearly one hour and forty-five minutes while crews cleared the roadway. Traffic resumed at approximately 5:41 p.m.
Despite the severity of the wrecks, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Emergency Response
Multiple agencies responded, including:
- Berkeley County Fire
- 167th Airlift Wing Fire Department
- West Virginia Department of Transportation
Authorities credited the coordinated response with minimizing disruption and ensuring the highway reopened safely.
Safety Reminder
Deputies urged drivers to use caution during sudden weather shifts and to maintain safe distances between vehicles, particularly in heavy rain.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that even brief downpours can quickly create dangerous conditions on high-traffic corridors like I-81.
This incident highlights the importance of safe driving during unpredictable fall weather in West Virginia.
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