
(Updated at 1:50 p.m. on 10/7/2022) Three more people were killed on Fairfax County roads Thursday morning (Oct. 6), police reported.
In Tysons, two people died in a single-vehicle crash on eastbound Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) remains partly shut down in Tysons after two people died in a single-vehicle crash at Chain Bridge Road, shutting down the road for nearly three-and-a-half hours, the Fairfax County Police Department said.
Today (Friday), police identified Lori Byars, 51, of Woodbridge as the driver of a 1986 Mercedes 420 SEL, and 59-year-old Triangle resident David Turch as a passenger.
“The vehicle left the roadway prior to the intersection near the overpass of Chain Bridge Road and struck a light pole,” the FCPD said. “The vehicle continued striking another traffic signal pole where it came to stop.”
Police say speed and alcohol are both believed to have factored into the crash. A few community members who passed by the scene described it as “horrible.”
The Rt 7 Tysons crash was absolutely horrible. Car was almost completely flat except for the rear passenger. Anyone could see that car and know whoever was in there could not have survived.
— zeezy (@drfunk387) October 7, 2022
Further south, 53-year-old Melodie Kiem was struck and killed on Richmond Highway (Route 1) at Backlick Road in the Fort Belvoir area around 6:49 a.m. Thursday.
A preliminary investigation suggests Kiem was walking from the Richmond Highway median to the eastern side when the driver of a 2015 GMC Terrain going north on the highway hit her, the FCPD said.
Police say the driver had a green light, and Kiem was crossing “against the pedestrian cross signal.” At that intersection, Richmond Highway is eight lanes across, including dedicated turn lanes, and there is no crosswalk on the western side.
“The driver remained on scene,” the department said. “Rescue personnel responded and pronounced Kiem deceased at the scene. Preliminarily, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.”
Two lanes are now open on EB Rt7 Leesburg Pike. Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives continue to investigate this crash. Follow our blog, https://t.co/lhGv3NDvYs, for updates when available. #FCPD https://t.co/4vX4ISjVeM
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 6, 2022
Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives are enroute to investigate. Officers from our Motors Unit are arriving to assist diverting traffic. Avoid the area. Expect delays.
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 6, 2022
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