Newport News, VA (June 23, 2025) – A terrifying high-speed crash on Interstate 64 left a young child with life-threatening injuries and sent multiple others to local hospitals late Friday night.
On June 20, Virginia State Police responded around 8:57 p.m. to a multi-vehicle wreck along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 between mile markers 249 and 250. Authorities report that 45-year-old Willie I. Greene of Boston was operating a Dodge Durango at an excessive speed when he rear-ended a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The force of the crash pushed the Sonata off the roadway, slamming it into a guardrail before it came to rest across the shoulder and into westbound lanes.
Following the initial impact, Greene’s vehicle continued across the median, colliding with westbound traffic. It first sideswiped a 2012 Toyota Tacoma and then crashed head-on into a Nissan Altima. The Altima was being driven by 39-year-old Tonya Colis, whose 5-year-old child was ejected from the car seat due to improper restraints and sustained critical injuries.
Everyone involved, except David L. Miyamura, the Tacoma’s driver, was taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The scene caused both directions of the interstate to be closed until approximately 1:21 a.m. Saturday morning. Virginia State Police confirmed that speed played a role in the crash. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Virginia
Virginia sees thousands of vehicle accidents each year, many involving serious injuries or fatalities. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 122,000 crashes reported across the state in a recent year, with more than 800 fatalities and over 59,000 injuries. Speed and driver negligence continue to be leading causes.
Understanding some of the most common reasons these incidents occur can help reduce future risks:
- Speeding: Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. It is a frequent factor in both minor and major collisions. In many cases, drivers overestimate their control at high speeds, which often leads to rear-end or rollover incidents. When high-speed accidents occur on interstates, the risk of multi-vehicle pileups rises dramatically.
- Improper Child Restraints: Child passengers must be properly secured in age-appropriate car seats. Inadequate restraints can result in children being ejected or severely injured even in otherwise survivable crashes. Regularly checking the installation and fit of child safety seats is essential for all caregivers.
- Lane Departures: Vehicles that veer out of their designated lane often cause head-on or side-impact crashes. These are particularly dangerous at high speeds or in areas with limited visibility. Distractions, fatigue, and impaired driving are common contributors.
- Cross-Median Crashes: When vehicles cross highway medians, the outcome is often disastrous. These types of collisions typically involve high speeds and leave little time for other drivers to react. Concrete barriers or cable systems can help, but driver responsibility remains key.
- Failure to Yield: Whether merging or at intersections, failure to yield can disrupt traffic flow and lead to T-bone or sideswipe accidents. Drivers must stay alert and follow road signs to minimize the risk.
- Distracted Driving: From texting to adjusting the radio, distractions steal a driver’s focus from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in tragic outcomes. Staying focused and pulling over when needed can prevent many of these avoidable incidents.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, call our Newport News car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help ensure critical evidence is preserved, deal with insurance companies, and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills and other losses.
At Blank & Marcus, LLC, we offer free consultations to help victims understand their legal options. Our attorneys bring decades of trial experience and have successfully obtained numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients throughout Virginia. Whether you were injured on a highway or a city street, we are ready to fight for your rights. Our team includes respected legal leaders like Irving M. Blank, a past president of the Virginia State Bar, and Keith B. Marcus, honored annually in Virginia Super Lawyers. We pride ourselves on giving each case personalized attention and responsive communication. If you’re uncertain about your next steps, we’re here to help. Call us at (866) 207-9823 to get started.
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.
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