At 04:52, Abingdon Fire was alerted to a vehicle accident in the Northbound lane of Interstate 81 just North of the Exit 17 bridge. A car was reported to be traveling South on the Southbound side, crossed the medium and was struck by a tractor-trailer traveling North on the Northbound side. The single passenger in the car died at the scene. Fire personnel extricated the occupant. Chief 201, Rescue Engine 205 and Battalion 209 responded along with units from the Washington County Life Saving Crew and Virginia State Police.