Quick Facts
Where: The accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 295 in Hanover County, Virginia.
What Happened: A tractor-trailer allegedly changed lanes and struck a nearby car, causing off a chain reaction with other vehicles.
Participants:
- Heidi Gallegos, passenger in Acura MDX
- Driver of Acura MDX
- Driver of Acura MDX
- Driver of Mercury Grand Marquis
- Tariq Manuel, driver of tractor-trailer
- Driver of second tractor-trailer
Reported Injuries/Fatalities:
- Heidi Gallegos, 54, killed
- Driver of Mercury Grand Marquis, 70, injured
Details:
On or about Friday, December 11th, 2020, around 5:47 in the afternoon, a multi-vehicle accident involving two tractor-trailers claimed the life of a 70-year-old Orlando, Florida woman. Investigators said the accident happened on the southbound side of Interstate 295 in Hanover County, Virginia.
State Police Troopers said the accident happened when a tractor-trailer driven by 28-year-old Tariq Manuel allegedly changed lanes and struck a Mercury Grand Marquis driven by a 70-year-old woman. The Mercury subsequently spun into a nearby Acura MDX, which collided with a tree a short distance off the roadway. The passenger in the Acura was identified as 54-year-old Heidi Gallegos, who died after being taken to the hospital along with the driver. Paramedics also transported the driver of the Mercury to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
Authorities have since charged Tariq Manuel with reckless driving and failure to maintain control in connection with the accident.
Investigators mentioned specifically weather and speed were not factors in the incident, but did not elaborate further.
Multiple agencies are investigating the incident.