Martinsburg, WV – Drivers along Interstate 81 in Berkeley County faced major delays Tuesday afternoon after a sudden rain burst caused a series of multi-vehicle crashes, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
The crashes occurred around 3:56 p.m. on I-81 southbound between the 7.5 and 9 mile markers. Officials said the chain of five accidents involved six commercial trucks and three passenger vehicles. The interstate was closed for nearly one hour and forty-five minutes before reopening at 5:41 p.m.
According to deputies, the incident began when a Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a camper jackknifed, blocking traffic. This triggered a series of rear-end and secondary collisions involving both passenger cars and tractor-trailers. Two commercial vehicles and two passenger cars had to be towed.
Despite the severity of the crashes, no injuries were reported. Berkeley County Fire, the 167th Airlift Wing Fire Department, and the West Virginia Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.
Authorities urged motorists to use caution during sudden weather shifts and to keep safe distances between vehicles, especially during heavy rain. Sheriff’s deputies credited the coordinated response of first responders and partner agencies with minimizing disruption and reopening the interstate safely.
