Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 7, 1990 TAG: 9006070498
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-8 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE:
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Short
Pronounced dead at the scene of the early-morning wreck were Louis John Brandenberg, 29, of Glen Burnie, Md.; Joseph Smith, 67, of Pasadena, Md.; and Richard William Johns, 29, of Timberville.
The wreck occurred between Exits 36 and 37 in Montgomery County and the highway was shut down for nearly two hours. Police and rescue workers called it one of the worst wrecks they had seen.
Police said Smith's tanker truck crossed the median and became airborne before colliding head-on with the tractor-trailer being driven by Johns.
The trailer of John's truck split open and spilled hundreds of frozen chickens onto the highway.
Brandenberg apparently had been dozing in the sleeper section in the rear of the tanker's cab. Police believe Smith may have fallen asleep.
An autopsy on Smith had been scheduled for today to rule out the possibility of a heart attack or the involvement of drugs or alcohol.
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB