Home Botetourt County: Two dead, including teen, in crash on Interstate 81
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Botetourt County: Two dead, including teen, in crash on Interstate 81

Crystal Graham
interstate 81 i-81
(© Eli Wilson/Wirestock – stock.adobe.com)

Two people are dead, including one teen, after a crash on Interstate 81 Thursday night in Botetourt County.

Sameer Baig Mirza, 22, and Mustafa Baig Mirza, 15, of Springfield, died at the scene.

Virginia State Police is investigating the crash that occurred at 6:02 p.m.

According to VSP, a Volvo tractor trailer was on the right shoulder of Interstate 81 at the 166-mile marker with a mechanical issue, when the tractor trailer was struck in the rear by a Mercedes Benz.

The two fatalities were passengers in the Mercedes. The driver, Taaha K. Mohammad, received non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The driver’s name has not been released.

Charges are pending.

The crash remains under investigation.

 
 

 




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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham is the digital editor and development director for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. She also has a strong development background as the former director in Virginia for a national suicide prevention organization. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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