Fatal Stafford County crash on I-95 triggers Virginia State Police investigation

In a heartrending incident in Stafford County, Virginia, two people lost their lives in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 95 at the 136-mile marker. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 5, around 4:42 a.m., involved a Freightliner tractor-trailer, a Nissan Altima, and a Subaru Forrester, leading to a lengthy investigation by Virginia State Police.

The Freightliner tractor-trailer, a 2022 model, was in the center lane heading north when it tried to switch to the right lane, colliding with a northbound 2014 Nissan Altima. The impact forced both vehicles into the left lane, where they crashed into a 2010 Subaru Forrester that was also traveling north. All three vehicles veered off the road, hit the guardrail, and the tractor-trailer flipped onto the Nissan and Subaru.

Johnathon L. Booth, 50, from Fredericksburg, VA, the Nissan’s driver, and Kevin M. Paddeu, 67, of Quinton, VA, driving the Subaru, both tragically died at the crash site. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

The tractor-trailer’s driver, Wheelman G. Andrews, 58, of Carrollton, VA, suffered minor injuries and was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital. Following his treatment, Andrews was arrested and charged with reckless driving. He was later released on an unsecured bond from the Spotsylvania Magistrates Office.

Adding to the calamity, the tractor-trailer was carrying 78,000 pounds of beer, contributing to the severity of the accident. The crash resulted in the closure of the northbound lanes of I-95 for approximately five hours. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was instrumental in managing the road closure and devising a detour.

Virginia State Trooper A. Roberts encourages anyone with information regarding the accident to get in touch at 540-891-4108 or via email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

As the investigation continues, it underscores the critical importance of road safety and the potentially disastrous consequences of reckless driving.