A Nissan Armada SUV with six passengers including an infant was reportedly traveling at or over 100 MPH before a crass near mile marker 222 on Interstate 81 near Staunton Monday afternoon around 1p.m., according to a release from the Virginia State Police.
Killed in the crash was passenger Tavares D. Witherspoon, 39 of Washington, D.C.. He was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
VSP reports that the SUV was witnessed by a stationary officer at mm 221 speeding. Radar showed the SUV traveling at 100 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. The VSP officer activated lights and sirens and the Nissan accelerated. The Nissan ran off the left side of the interstate, struck a guardrail and came to rest in the median.
The driver, Jamar R. Lancaster, 41, of Washington, was taken medical for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
Other passengers in the SUV:
- A boy infant, secured in a child's safety seat was taken to the hospital in serious condition
- 30 year old man was ejected and was being treated for life-threatening injuries. VSP reported that he was not wearing a seatbelt
- 13 year old male and a 36 year old female, both not wearing seatbelts, were taken to the hospital and treated for serious injuries
VSP reports the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.