While traffic is back to normal on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County Friday, the investigation continues into what caused an 18-wheeler to run off the road, hit a guardrail, and overturn early Thursday morning.
Emergency crews are replaying Thursday's fatal accident in their minds.
"A lot of people don't realize we carry this home with us and sometimes we lose nights of sleep and stay up and wonder what we could do to improve our response time or our extrication time," said Buchanan Fire Chief Billy Joe Carter.
Buchanan volunteer firefighters were first on the scene early Thursday morning, seeing an 18-wheeler driver trapped inside his cab.
"It wasn't that bad at first. But after it got hit by the other tractor trailer, it made the situation a lot worse, pinning the guy in a lot deeper" said Carter.
Chief Carter was one eleven people working for three hours to free Wayne Kratzer, 51. The chief says it was one of the worst accidents he's seen.
"He was pinned from his waist down, very nice guy. He talked the whole way through. He was in good spirits there at the end he was joking and laughing with us" Carter said.
Kratzer died on the ride to Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
"I'm very sad for the family. I'm sorry that he lost his life. This is something that will weigh on us. It was definitely an eye opener" Carter said.
Virginia State Police say the investigation is still ongoing. The medical examiner has performed an autopsy, but it could be as early as next week before investigators release more information.
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