PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Icy conditions in the aftermath of the recent winter storm are believed to have played a factor in a Barbour County accident that left two dead.
It happened Monday at approximately 12:35 p.m. along Beech Lick Road near Rt. 57 when a farm tractor rolled over while going up a steep driveway.
A husband and wife, reportedly in their 50s, were attempting to check on an elderly neighbor and made it up about half way before sliding back down, according to officials with the Philippi Fire Department. The momentum then carried the vehicle over the hill and it rolled down 20 feet.
It is believed after some time, the elderly neighbor they were trying to check on saw the tractor turned over and made the call to emergency services.
Response was delayed due to the remaining snow from Winter Storm Jonas and the area had to be plowed in order for the victims to be reached.
Reports indicate it took approximately seven hours to pull the bodies out from the scene, with the Barbour County Emergency Squad, the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, Belington Fire Department, Nutter Fort Fire Department, Stonewood Fire Department, State Police and the National Guard assisting.
The victims have not yet been identified and more information is expected as the investigation into the accident continues.