Icy roads lead to multiple accidents on Route 13

A sudden burst of snow and sleet created dangerous road conditions on Route 13 Saturday morning, resulting in three  separate simultaneous accidents.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., emergency units were dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident with entrapment near Keller. Unconfirmed reports indicate the accident involved a propane truck which was leaking. Three ambulances and Maryland State Police Trooper 4 were called to the scene, and multiple patients were transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. Additionally, two patients will be reportedly airlifted via Trooper 4 for further medical care. The extrication was completed at 9:02 AM.

According to the Onancock VFD Facebook page: “Additional agencies responded to the incident from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management – Regional Hazmat Officer, Eastern Shore Regional Hazmat Team, Virginia Department of Transportation as well as local law enforcement agencies. Lankford Highway was shut down in both directions for an extended period. Due to the flammability hazards of the leaking propane, drivers were evacuated from their vehicles and sheltered in other locations.”

The Virginia State police is investigating and we are awaiting an update. 

Elsewhere, another accident was reported near Melfa, and a vehicle slid into a ditch near Accomac, further complicating travel on Route 13.

Emergency responders from Nassawadox, Exmore, Painter, Wachapreague, Melfa, Onancock, Tasley, Parksley, and Bloxom assisted at the various crash sites. Drivers are urged to use caution on icy roads and monitor local advisories for further updates.

As of 3:23 p.m. according to the 511 Virginia Web site both lanes of Rt. 13 in Keller have been reopened.

Photo courtesy Onancock VFD Facebook page.