A major wreck occurred on Constitution Highway near Burr Hill on Thursday (Aug. 6) shortly after 3 p.m., according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Orange County High School Principal Nick Sodano told Byrd Street that five juveniles were involved in the crash, including four Orange County High School students who were hospitalized due to injuries.
Online reports not yet confirmed by Byrd Street with the Virginia State Police indicate that it was a two-vehicle crash and one of the drivers was pronounced dead of injuries sustained in the wreck.
The collision took place on the second day of the new school year in Orange County.
In response to Byrd Street’s inquiry, Sodano wrote: “I can’t speak to the specifics of any student’s condition, but we are deeply saddened that five juveniles, four of whom are OCHS students, were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. The crash resulted in one fatality, and the four OCHS students were hospitalized with injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy, and we ask the community to keep all of the families involved in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Via social media, the Orange Volunteer Fire Department reported at about 4 p.m. Thursday that helicopters were landing at Unionville and Locust Grove elementary schools to airlift victims to the hospital.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted two updates after the initial alert, which stated, in part, “As of 3:12 p.m., deputies and emergency personnel are responding to a major motor vehicle crash in the area of Route 20 and Burr Hill Road. Please expect heavy traffic congestion and extended delays in the area. This incident may also impact afternoon school bus routes.”
Later on Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office reported that Rt. 20 would be closed for several hours and the Virginia Department of Transportation was diverting traffic away from the crash site. By 8:20 p.m., Rt. 20 was open again, and the Sheriff’s Office stated that the Virginia State Police was investigating the crash.
Members of the OCHS community received the following notice:
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted in the coming days.
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