Heavy evening rains affected at least one area of town.

 

“We had to close the Interstate on-ramp from Saltwell Road, southbound, because of the water running off the hill,” said Bridgeport Police Lt. Mike Lemley. “The water was completely across the entrance ramp onto I-79.”

 

Prior to the road closure, there was a vehicle accident in the area.

 

“A guy coming off the ramp lost control in the water and went into the ditch,” Lemley said. “He ended up flipping on his top.”

 

That incident occurred just before 5 p.m. Spelter Fire Department and Harrison County EMS responded and according to the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services media log, two vehicles were involved in the accident. There were no injuries.

The on-ramp was closed for a short period of time, Lemley said. The run-off was coming from the vicinity of Corbin Branch Road. A resident of that area, Marie Battles said she has not in 38 years seen water stand in the roadway as it did earlier this evening.

 

Just about an hour before the above-described vehicle accident, a pair of others took place on I-79 at the 129 mile marker.

 

It is believed that the second vehicle wrecked because the driver was distracted by looking at the first accident, said a member of Bridgeport Fire Department personnel.

 

“Between the two, there were three adults transported,” he said. “Two of the adults were husband and wife and so they took a small child, also, who was riding in a car seat.”

 

Patients were transported to both United Hospital Center and Fairmont General Hospital.

 

In addition to Bridgeport Fire Department, other units responding to the accidents included Marion County EMS and West Virginia State Police. 

 

WBOY reported on the latter accident. See that report HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured is the scene on Corbin Branch Road Saturday evening.