76-year-old man dead after crash involving log truck in Emporia

EMPORIA, Va. (WRIC) — A 76-year-old Franklin man is dead following a two-vehicle crash involving a log truck on Route 58 in Emporia Thursday morning.

According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred at 9:49 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 on Route 58 East in Emporia.

Police said the preliminary investigation reveals that a 2016 International log truck driven by 39-year-old Clifford D. Lynch of Roanoke Rapids had tried to pull out of a gas station onto westbound Route 58.

As the log truck stopped in the road, the trailer was hit by a 2015 Ford Escape that was heading east on Route 58. The driver of that vehicle, 76-year-old Donald W. Rogers of Franklin, died at the scene.

According to state police, neither speed nor alcohol are considered factors in this crash. Additionally, both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.

“The crash report will be provided to the Commonwealth Attorney and charges are pending his determination,” state police said.

A detour was put into place as investigators worked the scene, but the road has since reopened.

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