Kanawha Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating and early morning fatal crash on Interstate 64 west, just past the Institute Entrance that occurred just before 6:00am. A semi and trailer from Dolin Trucking of Dunbar, driven by Michael Powell of Winfield was merging or had merged onto the Interstate going west at Institute when a double trailer from the Roadway Corporation struck the Dolin Trucking Company truck in the rear. The Dolin truck was full, hauling ash, which is burnt coal.
Powell was taken to Thomas Hospital for minor injuries while the driver of the Roadway truck was pronounced dead on the scene. He has yet to be identified due to the extensive damage. His departure and destination are also unknown at this time.
The Dolin truck/trailer sustained moderate damage while the cab of the Roadway truck was totaling demolished.
The Accident Reconstruction Unit of the Kanawha Sheriff’s Office is currently determining the point of impact as well as other possible contributing factors.
Interstate 64 westbound from Dunbar to Cross Lanes continues to be shutdown while towing services work to remove the trucks and debris. We anticipate the roadway to reopen possibly by noon today unless further problems arise. Due to light volume westbound, traffic is being diverted from the Interstate at the Dunbar Exit and seems to be moving smoothly down Route 25 where they can access I64 from Goff Mountain Road or at the Nitro Entrance.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Christmas and other Holidays are not exempt from tragedy, so we encourage all to use good judgment both on and off the highway.
Additionally, it is 0910am now and there are multiple accidents north of Charleston on both I77 and I79, so we discourage any unnecessary traveling until roads become safer.
Captain Sean Crosier
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
Special Operations Commander
Phone: (304) 545-8127
