Virginia State Police arrested a New Jersey man after his tractor-trailer struck a bridge on Interstate 81 near the I-581 interchange early Tuesday, snagging traffic and damaging vehicles below.
Steven P. Lender, 50, of Pennsauken, New Jersey, was charged with driving under the influence and a misdemeanor hit and run, police said in a press release.
At about 5:20 a.m., police said Lender was driving a tractor-trailer northbound on the interstate as it crossed the bridge over Interstate 581.
The tractor-trailer ran off the road and struck the bridge, causing debris from the crash to fall on the road and several vehicles below.
The tractor-trailer was hanging partially off the bridge when police said Lender fled the scene. He was found walking north on I-81 at mile marker 144. Police questioned Lender there and then took him into custody.
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No injuries were reported, and traffic was detoured around the crash. Police said several vehicles were disabled on I-581 after being struck by bridge debris.
According to 511 Southwest VA on Twitter, the crash was cleared by 8:20 a.m.
Lender
Emma Coleman
Emma Coleman covers public safety and courts in the Roanoke Valley. She can be reached at (540) 981-3198 or emma.coleman@roanoke.com.
