Driver airlifted after semi ignites on I-81, partially falls into river

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - The driver of a tractor-trailer was flown to a hospital after the truck overturned and caught fire on Interstate 81.

The wreck happened Saturday around 4:30 p.m. on near mile marker 228 in Augusta County.

First responders arrived to find the cab of the trailer had fallen off the road and into the Middle River and the trailer had ignited, Augusta County Fire-EMS said.

Numerous fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies worked to extinguish the fire, and bystanders jumped into the water to help the driver. The driver’s condition has not been released.

A hazmat team was brought in to stop the flow of diesel fuel into the river. It’s unclear how much fuel may have entered the water.

Agencies that responded include: Augusta County Fire-EMS, Verona VFC, Weyers Cave VFC, Bridgewater VFC, Staunton-Augusta County First Aid & Rescue, Grottoes Rescue Squad, Augusta County Emergency Management, and Virginia State Police.

Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.