A devastating late-night crash on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County, Virginia, has resulted in the deaths of three people, including a 2-year-old child, and left three others injured. Virginia State Police have charged 58-year-old tractor-trailer driver El Hadji Karamoko Quattara with reckless driving in connection with the incident. The collision, which occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on December 22, 2025, has prompted an ongoing investigation as authorities assess whether additional charges may be warranted based on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to preliminary findings released by state police, the crash involved a northbound tractor-trailer that ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a Honda Odyssey that was stopped on the shoulder of the interstate. All six occupants of the minivan were from Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of them succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a hospital, while the remaining three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening but serious injuries. The tragedy has renewed attention on highway safety, particularly the risks faced by vehicles stopped along major interstates during nighttime hours.
Details of the Crash on Interstate 81
Virginia State Police reported that troopers were dispatched at 11:08 p.m. to Interstate 81 northbound at mile marker 145 following reports of a two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, first responders found that a tractor-trailer traveling north had veered off the roadway and collided with a Honda Odyssey that was stationary on the right shoulder.
The impact was severe. Investigators stated that the Honda Odyssey was occupied by six individuals at the time of the crash. The driver of the minivan, identified as 65-year-old Lorraine Renee Williams, and a passenger, 49-year-old Ebony Latasha Williams, were critically injured and transported to a hospital. A 2-year-old child, identified as Shazziyah Lesley, was also among those rushed for emergency medical care. Despite medical efforts, all three later died from their injuries.
The remaining occupants of the Odyssey included a 63-year-old man, a 10-year-old girl, and another man in his early 70s. All three were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released detailed updates on their conditions, but police confirmed that they sustained injuries and required medical attention. The victims were traveling together and were all residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, though officials have not disclosed the purpose of their trip or why the vehicle was stopped on the shoulder at the time of the crash.
State police indicated that the tractor-trailer was being operated by El Hadji Karamoko Quattara, 58, whose residence has not been publicly disclosed. Investigators stated that Quattara was traveling northbound on I-81 when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road, striking the stopped minivan. The precise reasons why the tractor-trailer left the roadway have not yet been made public, and authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active.
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Traffic on I-81 was significantly impacted following the crash, with lane closures and delays reported as emergency crews worked the scene, provided medical assistance, and cleared debris from the roadway. The interstate is a heavily traveled corridor for both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, and incidents along this stretch have historically posed challenges for emergency response due to traffic volume and limited shoulder space in certain areas.
Victims, Injuries, and Community Impact
The loss of three lives, including that of a toddler, has deeply affected both the local community in Roanoke County and the victims’ home community in Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities identified the deceased as members of the same family, underscoring the profound personal toll of the crash. While police have not released additional biographical details, the ages of the victims reflect the multigenerational nature of the tragedy.
Lorraine Renee Williams, 65, was driving the Honda Odyssey at the time of the crash. Ebony Latasha Williams, 49, was also inside the vehicle, along with 2-year-old Shazziyah Lesley. All three were transported to a hospital but later died due to injuries sustained in the collision. The deaths were confirmed by Virginia State Police following notification of next of kin.
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The three surviving passengers face a recovery process that may be lengthy and complex. A 63-year-old man, a 10-year-old girl, and a man in his early 70s were all injured and taken to a hospital. Police have not disclosed whether any of the survivors remain hospitalized or the extent of their injuries, citing privacy considerations and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
News of the crash has prompted expressions of sympathy from local officials and community members, as well as renewed calls for heightened awareness of roadway safety. Interstate shoulders, while designed to provide temporary refuge for disabled vehicles or emergencies, can become particularly dangerous at night, when visibility is reduced and traffic speeds remain high. Law enforcement officials routinely caution drivers to move disabled vehicles as far off the roadway as possible and to exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so, though specific guidance depends on individual circumstances.
The involvement of a commercial tractor-trailer in the crash has also raised broader concerns about trucking safety and driver fatigue, distraction, or other potential contributing factors. While investigators have not yet released information regarding El Hadji Karamoko Quattara’s condition at the time of the crash, such as whether alcohol, drugs, or fatigue may have played a role, these factors are typically examined as part of a comprehensive crash reconstruction and review.
Charges Filed and Ongoing Investigation
Virginia State Police announced that El Hadji Karamoko Quattara has been charged with reckless driving in connection with the fatal crash. Under Virginia law, reckless driving is a serious offense that can carry criminal penalties, particularly when it results in injury or death. Authorities emphasized that the charge reflects preliminary findings and that the investigation is ongoing.
Police stated that additional charges could be filed pending the outcome of the investigation. This process may include a detailed analysis of vehicle data, witness statements, roadway conditions, and any available surveillance or dash camera footage. Investigators may also review the tractor-trailer’s maintenance records, driver logs, and compliance with federal and state commercial vehicle regulations.
The decision to file further charges often depends on factors such as whether the driver was operating the vehicle in a manner that demonstrated a disregard for safety, whether any mechanical failures contributed to the crash, and whether violations of trucking regulations were identified. Prosecutors typically work closely with law enforcement to determine the appropriate charges once the investigation is complete.
Authorities have not indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude. In fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles, the process can take weeks or months, as it may involve coordination with federal agencies and specialized crash reconstruction experts. During this time, families of the victims often await answers regarding how and why the crash occurred.
The tragic incident on I-81 serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of roadway incidents involving large commercial vehicles. As traffic volumes continue to increase on major interstates, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of vigilance, adherence to traffic laws, and proactive safety measures by all drivers. For now, the focus remains on completing a thorough investigation, supporting the injured survivors, and providing clarity and accountability for a crash that has claimed three lives and profoundly affected multiple families.