A single vehicle accident on Interstate 79’s northbound lane led to the transport of one individual to United Hospital Center with potentially life-threatening injuries, according to a member of the Bridgeport Fire Department.

 

The accident occurred on I-79 just past mile marker 123 and the exit to the rest along that side of the roadway. The incident call came into the Harrison County 911 center at 3 p.m. The vehicle in question was a red work truck.

 

Upon arrival, emergency officials encountered a truck nearly horizontal in the ditch and with the tail end up against the hillside that buffers against I-79. The single male passenger of the truck was entrapped and had to be cut from the vehicle.

 

According to Bridgeport Police Officer M.P. Hammond, reports were that the truck struck a light post and eventually lost control. A witness who was in front of the vehicle said it rolled prior to coming to rest along the interstate.

 

Bridgeport fire personnel said advanced life support techniques were being utilized. The individual, according to fire staff, was slipping in and out of consciousness.

 

Although two lanes of I-79 remained open in the aftermath of the accident, traffic was backed up all the way to the Meadowbrook Mall exit onto the interstate as of 3:30 p.m. The delays were due primarily to individuals slowing down due to the number of emergency vehicles in the area as well as looking at the accident scene.

 

Bridgeport Police are investigating the matter. They were joined on the scene by Bridgeport Fire, Bridgeport EMS, Jan Care EMS and the West Virginia State Police. Bridgeport Fire officials said EMS workers from other areas that were driving by had also stopped to initially assist on the scene.