NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. — Two people were killed in a wreck that closed Interstate 64 west in New Kent County Friday morning.

VDOT officials said the freeway was closed near Route 33 (mile marker 206) due to an accident.

State police said the vehicle struck a tree and then caught fire around 11 a.m. The tree then fell onto the westbound lanes of the interstate and part of the eastbound lanes.

As a result, the eastbound left lane and shoulder were closed, as were all westbound lanes.

Traffic was detoured from the freeway at Exit 211 for Route 106.

“Drivers should seek alternate routes to avoid delays,” VDOT officials urged.

Traffic was backed up for about 8.5 miles as of 11:55 a.m., according to VDOT. But the delay was down to 3 miles as of 2:45 p.m

Officials said the military is in the process of identifying the victims and notifying their next of kin.

This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.

: CONNECT WITH US

Facebook|Instagram|X|nature|TikTok