ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 6, 1996 TAG: 9607080070
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PEDLAR MILLS
SOURCE: Associated Press
Charges will be filed against the driver of a van that crashed while carrying members of the Old Dominion Job Corps, killing a 21-year-old Alexandria man and injuring 12 others, state police said.
The crash occurred about 3 p.m. Thursday on Virginia 635 about 12 miles north of Lynchburg. The van was on its way back to Monroe after a pleasure drive through the country.
``It appears there was some excessive speed involved,'' said Virginia State Trooper John W. Ratliff. He said charges will be filed against driver Harry Johnson of Bedford after prosecutors are consulted about the evidence.
He was unsure what the extent of the charges would be.
Linel K. Miller of Alexandria apparently died instantly, Ratliff said.
Two passengers, Eric Wright, 22, and Michael Tyson, 18, remained in serious but stable condition with head injuries at Lynchburg General Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Bonnie Tate said Friday.
Fred Rogers, 17, of Norfolk, was reported in satisfactory condition with broken bones. Nine others were treated and released, she said.
Police were checking earlier reports that a 14th person was aboard the van.
The 15-passenger van ran off the right side of the road coming out of a curve and hit a large rock, Ratliff said. It then went across the highway and over an embankment, hit a tree and rolled over, Ratliff said.
``They were taking a drive through the country roads of Amherst County,'' said Old Dominion Job Corps Center Director Bob Barlow. ``They were taking a scenic drive, just to take a break from the center.''
Barlow said none of the other injuries appeared to be life-threatening. He said counselors have been brought in to the center to help the students.
The identities of the injured were not available early Friday.
Johnson, 35, suffered a head injury and gave little information at the scene about what caused the wreck, Ratliff said. The driver later was of some help to police, but did not say he was speeding, Ratliff said.
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines KEYWORDS: FATALITYby CNB