CHAPMANVILLE, WV — A tragic accident claimed the life of one man and shut down all lanes of U.S. Route 119 near Mecca Road in Chapmanville on Thursday morning. The fatal crash occurred during the early hours, causing a significant disruption to traffic and sparking a full-scale investigation by local authorities.
According to initial reports from law enforcement, the crash involved two vehicles: a passenger car and a semi-truck. The driver of the car, 35-year-old Justin McMillion of Greenbrier County, was heading southbound on Route 119 in a Chevrolet Cobalt when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, McMillion’s car veered across the center median into oncoming traffic in the northbound lanes.
At that moment, a semi-truck, operated by 22-year-old Austin Triplett of Jenkins, Kentucky, was traveling northbound. Triplett’s vehicle struck the Cobalt head-on in a violent collision that left McMillion’s car heavily damaged. Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly, but McMillion was pronounced dead upon their arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
Triplett was injured in the crash and was transported to Logan Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been made public at this time, though authorities have stated that they do not appear to be life-threatening.
The crash caused authorities to close both northbound and southbound lanes of US Route 119 for several hours while investigators worked to determine the cause of the incident. Traffic was rerouted through local roads, causing delays and congestion throughout the Chapmanville area. West Virginia State Police were on-site, along with Chapmanville Volunteer Fire Department and Logan County EMS, providing assistance and conducting the investigation.
At this time, no foul play is suspected, but investigators are considering multiple contributing factors, including road conditions, driver impairment, and vehicle malfunction. An accident reconstruction team has been assigned to analyze the scene in detail.
McMillion’s family has been notified, and authorities expressed their condolences in a brief statement Thursday afternoon. “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Mr. McMillion’s loved ones,” said a spokesperson from the Logan County Sheriff’s Department.
As of Thursday evening, US Route 119 has reopened to traffic, but authorities continue to urge drivers to use caution when traveling through the area. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the West Virginia State Police Logan Detachment.
Key Facts:
- Location: US Route 119 near Mecca Road, Chapmanville, WV
- Time: Thursday morning, August 7, 2025
- Victim: Justin McMillion, 35, of Greenbrier (Deceased)
- Other driver: Austin Triplett, 22, of Jenkins, KY (Hospitalized)
- Cause: Vehicle crossed center line; investigation ongoing
- Road Closure: Both lanes of Route 119 closed for several hours
Authorities remind all drivers to remain vigilant and drive safely, particularly on high-speed corridors like Route 119 where traffic accidents can turn fatal in an instant.
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