Three people are dead following a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Prince William County, Virginia on Thursday afternoon.
Virginia State Police say at around 4:33 p.m., a state trooper tried to initiate a traffic stop on a 2008 Dodge Avenger that was heading north on I-95 at a high rate of speed in Spotsylvania County.
Police say the Dodge declined to stop and a pursuit ensued. Because of heavy traffic, the trooper stopped the pursuit and the Dodge reportedly accelerated on the left of the highway.
Other troopers positioned themselves for the suspect vehicle on the north and reinitiated another pursuit.
Police say the Dodge, which continued to accelerate, broke through three lighted Express Lane gates as it moved north onto the lanes that were switched for southbound traffic only.
Police say the trooper did not follow the Dodge into the Express Lanes.
On Express Lanes at mile marker 155, the Dodge hit a Ford Ranger pickup truck head-on. Police say the effect of the collision caused the Ford to run off the side of the Express Lanes and over the guardrail. On the other hand, police say two more automobiles that were heading southbound also hit the Dodge, which caused it to catch on fire.
The female driver of the Dodge died at the scene. The female passenger of the Dodge, who was taken out of the vehicle, also died at the scene.
The male driver of the Ford Ranger, also died at the scene.
The driver of the third vehicle was admitted to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Driver and two passengers of fourth vehicle were treated at the scene for small injuries.
The incident is being investigated. Names will be revealed once next of kin is notified, police said.
