Wythe Co., VA – Thirteen Hurt, Including Five Children, in I-81 Crash

Wythe Co., VA (May 24, 2025) – A devastating crash on the morning of May 24 resulted in injuries to thirteen people, including five young children, following a van-truck collision on Interstate 81 southbound near mile marker 57.4 in Wythe County. According to the Virginia State Police, the crash occurred around 9:00 a.m. when the driver of a Ford Transit passenger van collided with a tractor-trailer. The van, carrying 13 occupants, included five children ranging from ages 1 to 8. All five children were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the impact. Two individuals were airlifted from the scene by MedFlight helicopters and transported to a trauma center with serious injuries. The remaining victims, most of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries, were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The driver of the van, identified as 39-year-old Harikanth Gaddam of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, was cited for reckless driving. The incident remains under active investigation.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish all those injured a full and speedy recovery.