I-81 Crash: Oxygen Tank Explosion Kills Two in Frederick County

Key points

• The crash occurred at 8:10 p.m. on Sept. 10 near Exit 310 on northbound I-81.
• A passenger car failed to yield, striking a southbound tractor-trailer, which then crossed the median.
• The tractor-trailer hit a northbound truck carrying oxygen tanks, causing a fire and explosions.
• Russell R. Haskins, 64, and Jeffrey J. Hudnell, 52, died; the passenger car driver was unharmed.
• Mario A. Saldivar-Romaro was charged with reckless driving, with additional charges possible.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of severe highway crashes in the region involving hazardous materials. In early September, a similar crash on I-66 in Fairfax County involved a truck carrying oxygen tanks, resulting in three deaths and reckless driving charges. The current I-81 crash highlights the dangers of multi-vehicle collisions involving commercial trucks and hazardous cargo on major interstates.

How outlets are covering it

All three sources—NBC4 Washington, WJLA, and Royal Examiner—agree on the core facts: the time, location, sequence of events, and the identities of the victims and the charged driver. NBC4 Washington provided the most detailed account, including the specific names and ages of the deceased and the passenger car driver. WJLA and Royal Examiner confirmed the details but offered less specific information. There were no significant disagreements among the outlets, though NBC4 Washington noted an initial error regarding the damaged police vehicle, which was later corrected to a Frederick County Sheriff's Department vehicle.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the severe risks posed by failures to yield on major interstates, particularly when commercial vehicles and hazardous materials are involved. The resulting fire and explosions caused significant damage and likely led to prolonged traffic disruptions, highlighting the need for continued enforcement and awareness of highway safety protocols.

What to watch

Virginia State Police will continue their investigation, and the Frederick County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will review the case to determine if additional charges should be filed against Mario A. Saldivar-Romaro. The investigation remains ongoing, and the circumstances described by police are preliminary and could change as evidence is reviewed.