Wythe County, VA (May 27, 2025) – A major crash on the morning of May 24 sent multiple people, including five children, to the hospital after a van collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 81 South near mile marker 57.4.
Virginia State Police responded to the scene around 9 a.m. after receiving reports of a serious accident involving a Ford Transit passenger van and a semi-truck. Investigators say the van, driven by 39-year-old Harikanth Gaddam of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, struck the tractor-trailer under circumstances that led to a complete closure of the southbound lanes of the highway.
Inside the van were thirteen passengers, five of whom were children between the ages of 1 and 8. All five children, along with several other passengers, sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that two victims with more serious injuries were flown by MedFlight helicopters. Most of the other injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Gaddam has been charged with reckless driving as the investigation continues.
We hope all those injured in this crash recover fully and quickly.
Car Accidents in Virginia
Each year in Virginia, thousands of crashes are reported on highways like Interstate 81, many involving multiple passengers and resulting in serious injuries. These incidents can lead to extensive medical treatment, emotional trauma, and legal challenges for the people involved—especially when children are among the injured.
When a crash affects young passengers, there are specific concerns and outcomes that often follow:
- Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Care: Children often require different medical assessments and treatment than adults. Pediatric trauma teams focus on growth-related concerns, long-term development, and emotional recovery. Facilities equipped to handle young patients are crucial in these situations.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact on Children: The emotional toll of a crash can affect a child’s behavior, sleep, and mental health for years. Nightmares, separation anxiety, or PTSD symptoms may develop and often require therapeutic intervention.
- Proper Child Restraint Usage: Even with the best car seats or booster seats, a high-impact crash can result in injury. It’s critical to assess whether restraints were used properly and whether manufacturer guidelines were followed.
- Family Disruption and Financial Stress: When a large family is involved in a crash, the resulting hospitalizations can put financial and logistical strain on the household. Missed work, medical bills, and travel for specialized care can add up quickly.
- Legal Challenges After Multi-Victim Crashes: Handling claims for multiple passengers, especially children, introduces unique legal complexity. It’s essential to ensure each victim’s needs are fairly addressed in any legal proceedings or settlements.
If your child or loved one has been injured in a highway crash, reach out immediately to a car accident attorney. Swift legal guidance helps preserve evidence and ensures fair treatment as the case unfolds. Our Wythe County car accident attorneys at Blank & Marcus are here to guide you through this difficult time and advocate for your family’s best interests.
At Blank & Marcus, we’ve helped families across Virginia rebuild after tragedy. With decades of experience, our attorneys have earned recognition through million-dollar verdicts and industry accolades. We know that a crash involving children changes everything. That’s why we offer compassionate, determined legal help for families who need it most. Let us stand with you. Call (866) 207-9823 today for a free consultation with our team.
Note: The details provided in this article regarding the reported incident have been compiled from publicly available sources. Blank & Marcus has not independently confirmed all aspects of the event. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing details, please notify our team immediately. We are committed to maintaining the accuracy of our reports and will swiftly update any errors to ensure the most reliable information is presented. Furthermore, requests for content removal will be respectfully addressed upon receipt.
Disclaimer: Accessing or utilizing the information provided does not create an attorney-client relationship with Blank & Marcus. We encourage readers to seek personalized advice from a qualified attorney tailored to their specific legal needs. While we make every effort to ensure the information presented is accurate and reliable, we do not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or applicability to individual circumstances.