Virginia State Police are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that took place Saturday morning along Interstate 95 in Greensville County. The accident was reported at 8:51 a.m. near the 12-mile marker on the southbound side of the highway. Responding officers and emergency crews arrived quickly after receiving reports of an overturned SUV, but the severity of the crash made the outcome devastating for those involved.
According to preliminary information from state police, the vehicle was a 2005 Volvo XC90 traveling southbound when it initially ran off the right side of the roadway. In what appears to have been an attempt to regain control, the driver overcorrected, causing the SUV to veer sharply across the highway and collide with a guardrail on the left shoulder. The force of the impact led the vehicle to overturn, ultimately coming to rest on its passenger side. The crash sequence illustrates how rapidly a momentary loss of control can escalate into a deadly accident, especially on high-speed interstates.
The rollover proved fatal for 62-year-old passenger Rufus J. Whitaker, who was partially ejected from the SUV during the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The violent nature of the impact highlights the dangers of losing control at interstate speeds and reinforces the importance of safety precautions, including proper seatbelt use, which can greatly reduce the risk of ejection in rollover crashes.
The driver, 54-year-old Brenda L. Bullock, suffered serious injuries in the crash. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment and is receiving specialized medical care. Authorities say her injuries are significant, and emergency crews worked urgently at the scene to stabilize her before transport. No additional vehicles were involved in the crash, and no other injuries were reported.
Virginia State Police have confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Troopers are reviewing all factors that may have contributed, including the condition of the roadway, weather at the time of the crash, vehicle performance, and driver actions leading up to the moment the SUV left the road. While early findings suggest overcorrection played a key role, investigators will continue gathering evidence to determine the full circumstances.
Traffic along I-95 southbound experienced delays as first responders secured the scene and investigators worked to document the crash site. Temporary lane restrictions were necessary to ensure safety and preserve evidence for the ongoing investigation. Authorities say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly accidents can occur on high-speed highways. Police continue urging drivers to remain alert, maintain safe speeds, and wear seatbelts at all times—simple steps that can make a life-saving difference during unexpected emergencies.
