Update (March 6, 2025): The man who was killed in this crash has been identified by relatives as Ralph Bowling. No additional information about the crash is available at this time.
Jackson County, WV — February 26, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 77 near Silverton.
Authorities said a box truck crossed over the median into southbound traffic, hitting a pickup hauling a horse trailer near mile marker 143.
The pickup driver, whose name has not been made public at this time, died after being transported to an area hospital, according to authorities. A horse also died in the crash.
The box truck driver was not injured.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Jackson County crash. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Anytime a commercial truck crosses a median and crashes into oncoming traffic, the most important question is why the driver lost control in the first place. In this case, reports indicate that a box truck veered into the southbound lanes and collided with a pickup hauling a horse trailer. That’s not something that happens without a reason, and a proper investigation needs to determine what that reason was.
One possibility is driver error: distraction, fatigue or even impairment. Box truck drivers, especially those making deliveries, often work under tight schedules that can lead to risky driving behaviors. Investigators should review any available dashcam footage, cell phone records and the truck’s black box data to determine whether the driver was paying attention and maintaining a safe speed.
Another possibility is a mechanical failure. Did the truck experience a blown tire, brake failure or steering issue that caused it to veer off course? A full mechanical inspection should be conducted to rule out any issues with maintenance or equipment failure.
Road conditions should also be considered. Was the roadway wet or icy? Were there any hazards in the road that forced the driver to swerve? While less common, environmental factors can sometimes contribute to these kinds of crashes.
At this stage, there’s not enough public information to determine exactly what happened. But what’s clear is that a commercial vehicle crossing a median is an event that demands serious scrutiny. If the driver made an avoidable mistake, or if company policies contributed to unsafe driving, those responsible need to be held accountable. Crashes like this don’t just happen: they have causes, and those causes need to be identified to prevent similar wrecks in the future.
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