Botetourt County, VA (May 18, 2025) – A Thursday evening crash on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County left two young passengers dead and another injured, according to authorities.
The Virginia State Police responded to the collision at approximately 6:22 p.m. on May 15. Reports indicate that a tractor-trailer had been parked on the right shoulder of Interstate 81, near mile marker 166, due to a mechanical issue. A Mercedes Benz traveling along the same route crashed into the rear of the parked big rig.
Two passengers in the Mercedes were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified the victims as Sameer Baig Mirza, 22, who had been wearing a seatbelt, and Mustafa Baig Mirza, 15, who was not restrained. Both were residents of Springfield, Virginia. The driver of the Mercedes suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police have not yet released the identity of the driver. Charges are currently pending as the investigation continues. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the incident.
We offer our sympathies to the families of the victims who lost their lives in this accident. We also hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Virginia
Car crashes in Virginia often involve a wide range of contributing factors, including speed, distraction, and mechanical failure. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 120,000 motor vehicle crashes occurred statewide in 2023. Of those, over 850 were fatal. Virginia State Police and other agencies continue to promote safe driving initiatives to reduce these tragic incidents.
When tragedy strikes on the road, understanding what to expect next is important. Below are common mechanical issues that can contribute to serious collisions.
- Brake Failure: Brake failure can occur without warning and make it nearly impossible to avoid an accident. Regular inspection of brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels is essential to avoid this risk.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts often cause a driver to lose control. Many of these incidents stem from poor maintenance, low pressure, or defective manufacturing.
- Steering System Issues: Problems with steering—especially in large commercial vehicles—can be dangerous on highways. Worn-out power steering components or alignment issues may limit a driver’s ability to correct course.
- Lighting Malfunctions: Broken or malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and increase the chance of an accident, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Engine Stalling: Engine failures that cause a vehicle to stall on the road or shoulder can create hazardous situations, particularly when visibility is low or traffic is heavy.
If you or a loved one was impacted by a crash, call our wrongful death attorneys at Blank & Marcus today. Having someone on your side to protect your interests and communicate with insurance companies can help take stress off your shoulders. Waiting too long may impact your ability to recover compensation.
At Blank & Marcus, we understand how serious these situations are. With decades of experience, our attorneys are committed to helping families across Virginia after sudden and tragic events. Founding partner Irving M. Blank brings legal insight gained since the 1960s, while Keith B. Marcus and George O. Y. Naylor have over 45 years of combined experience. We have recovered millions for our clients in personal injury claims and have received honors such as AV Preeminent ratings and membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We offer free consultations and are ready to listen. 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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