Tractor-trailer hauling pigs crashes on I-95 in Stafford Co.; driver charged with reckless driving

A 2005 Peterbilt tractor-trailer jackknifed and caught fire on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. (Courtesy Virginia State Police)
Virginia State Police said the tractor-trailer was carrying about 200 pigs before the crash. (Courtesy Virginia State Police)
A veterinarian came to the scene to assess the situation. About 20 pigs did not survive, including six that the vet had to euthanize, state police said. (Courtesy Virginia State Police)
The driver was charged with reckless driving. (Courtesy Virginia State Police)
The jackknifed tractor-trailer. (Courtesy VDOT)
(1/5)

A tractor-trailer hauling pigs crashed into a jersey wall, jackknifed and caught fire across the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia.

The crash cleanup prompted hours of closures Friday on the northbound lanes; the wreck happened around 10:30 a.m., and lanes finally reopened just before 4 p.m.

The driver of the tractor-trailer — identified as David L. Ressler, 58, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania — was not injured, and Virginia State Police said he was charged with reckless driving.

State police said Ressler was heading north on I-95 when he ran off the left side of the roadway and hit a jersey wall. The tractor-trailer jackknifed and then caught fire, blocking the lanes.

The tractor-trailer was carrying about 200 pigs before the crash, state police said. A veterinarian came to the scene to assess the situation. About 20 pigs did not survive, including six that the vet had to euthanize, state police said.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue tweeted that crews quickly extinguished the fire and contained a diesel fuel spill.

The Virginia Department of Transportation helped with the cleanup.

Remaining northbound drivers were stuck on I-95 until 2 p.m. when traffic was diverted onto the I-95 Express Lanes and Route 1.

State police said they’re still investigating the crash.

WTOP’s Luke Garrett and Dave Dildine contributed to this report.

Will Vitka

William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up