Charges pending in big rig crash that caused vehicle to dangle over Interstate 81’s Exit 7

The Virginia State Police reported charges are pending against a Washington, D.C. driver following a big rig crash on Interstate 81 Saturday morning in Bristol.

First responders arrived just after 6 a.m. at the southbound lanes of the Exit 7 overpass. A preliminary VSP investigation says the 18-wheeler licensed to NFL Logistics of Sachse, Texas ran off the highway striking the bridge resulting in the engine compartment and the front of the rig to hang off of the overpass.

Police were on the scene for a few hours to help direct traffic on Old Airport Road down below due to debris from the crash falling on that roadway.

The 32-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer, who was not identified by VSP in the report, was not injured.

(IMAGE: Virginia State Police)