FRANKLIN
The cause remains unknown as to why a single car crashed — killing two people — on U.S. Route 258 (Smiths Ferry Rd) near the intersection of state route 189 (South Quay Road) on Wednesday morning.

According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, “A 2006 Ford F-350 ran off the roadway into the trees and caught fire,” she stated in an announcement sent to media at 7:47 p.m. “The driver and one passenger were burned beyond recognition and a third passenger, John Futrell, 64, of Murfreesboro, North Carolina, suffered major injuries and was taken to VCU hospital in Richmond.”

“The Virginia State Police reconstruction team was called to investigate the accident,” she continued. “The unknown victims, males, were taken to the medical examiners office for positive identification. Once identification is made, family members will be notified.”

The Southampton County Sheriff’s Office had contacted state police at approximately 6:25 a.m. to inform them of the crash, which they said included entrapments and a vehicle fire.

State troopers remain on the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

At present, the cause of the accident has not been released. Anaya also said it’s “an active investigation.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation had closed both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 258 and advised motorists to expect delays in the area and use an alternate route.

Updates will be provided as The Tidewater News becomes aware of additional details.