A sport utility vehicle that broke down just past the 119 mile marker on Interstate 79 this afternoon had more than engine problems to deal with when it was struck by a passing tractor trailer, according to Bridgeport Fire Department Captain Phil Hart.

 

The accident took place just before 3 p.m. on the northbound side of the interstate in the area overlooking Jenkins Subaru-Hyundai. The call came in the Harrison County 911 Center at 2:58 p.m.

 

A grey Ford Escape was the vehicle in question. It suffered significant damage to its from driver's side area and the rear passenger backside and was rendered unable to be driven from the scene. Fair Towing removed the vehicle. The tractor trailer was sitting near the Meadowbrook Mall exit (121) with a Clarksburg Police Department cruiser alerting motorists that the truck was just off the roadway. There was damage to one of the tires on the 18-wheeler.

 

According to Hart, two individuals were transported to United Hospital Center. One of those injured was taken by the Bridgeport Emergency Squad, while the other was transported by the Harrison County EMS. Both individuals were passengers in the Escape. Hart said the injuries were not considered life threatening.

 

The accident backed up traffic in all four lanes of I-79. Only one lane was open due to the accident prior to the vehicle being removed and the scene cleared. Traffic was backed up past the Route 50 on-ramp onto I-79.

 

Law enforcement and fire officials were handling traffic control. The wreck, which took place in the city limits of Clarksburg, is being investigated by the Clarksburg Police Department.