CABELL COUNTY, WV — A tragic early morning crash in a construction zone on Interstate 64 East near Culloden has claimed the life of a young Kentucky man and left two others injured, including a construction worker who had attempted to assist the stranded motorist.

The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. near the 31-mile marker of I-64 East, in a section of the highway currently under construction. According to the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the crash unfolded after a vehicle suffered a flat tire in an area where there was no shoulder to safely pull over.

"This morning, shortly before 6 a.m., a vehicle got a flat tire in the construction area near the 31-mile marker of I-64 East near Culloden," said Sheriff Doug Adams. He noted that the driver, understanding the risk of remaining in the lane, "put his flashers on as there was no shoulder to pull over to in that area."

Recognizing the danger, a nearby construction worker reportedly approached to help. Just after he got into the disabled vehicle’s passenger seat to assist in moving it, a pickup truck slammed into the back of the car.

"A construction worker went to help get the vehicle off the road, and just after the construction worker got into the passenger’s seat, the vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck," Sheriff Adams explained.

Victim Identified as Ashland Resident

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as 20-year-old Stephen Green, a resident of Ashland, Kentucky. According to deputies, Green was the driver of the disabled vehicle and sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

Emergency crews responded quickly and transported both the construction worker and the driver of the pickup truck to a nearby hospital. "The construction worker and the driver of the pickup truck were both taken to the hospital," Sheriff Adams said, though "there is no word on their conditions at this time."

Road Now Reopened, Investigation Ongoing

Following the crash, eastbound lanes of I-64 were temporarily closed while emergency personnel cleared the scene and conducted an initial investigation. Authorities have since confirmed that I-64E has since reopened.

The sheriff’s office has not released further details about the individuals involved in the crash or whether charges are being considered. It is also unclear whether speed or distraction played a role in the collision.

Safety Concerns in Active Construction Zones

The incident highlights the dangers present in active highway construction zones, especially where lanes are narrowed or shoulders are unavailable. In recent years, both motorists and road crews have faced increasing risks as roadwork expands across the country to improve infrastructure.

Transportation officials and law enforcement consistently urge drivers to reduce speeds, remain alert, and follow signage in construction areas. Accidents like this morning’s serve as tragic reminders of what can happen when unexpected emergencies occur on restricted stretches of highway.

UDOT and local authorities are expected to review safety protocols in the area as the investigation progresses.

Originally reported by Riley Mcllmoyle in 13 News.