NEWPORT NEWS, VA — 21-Year-Old Dies in Fiery Construction Zone Crash on I-64

NEWPORT NEWS, VA (July 21, 2025) — A 21-year-old Hampton man died late Sunday night when his car veered off Interstate 64 and crashed into a parked excavator at a construction site, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.

The crash occurred around 11:53 p.m. on I-64 eastbound, just west of Oyster Point Road. Virginia State Police have identified the deceased as Rishard Bernard Brummell Harvey, 21, of Hampton.

According to troopers, Harvey was driving a 2010 Chrysler Sebring when he ran off the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle first struck a highway attenuator before continuing into the inactive construction zone, where it collided with a parked excavator.

The car caught fire after impact and became fully engulfed in flames. Harvey was unable to escape the burning vehicle and died at the scene. The construction area was not active at the time of the crash, and no construction workers were injured.

Virginia State Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.

Construction Zone Safety in Virginia

Construction zones present unique hazards that require heightened driver attention and reduced speeds. In Virginia, hundreds of work zone crashes occur annually, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The late-night and early morning hours can be particularly dangerous when visibility is limited and driver fatigue is a factor.

Understanding the primary causes of construction zone accidents can help raise awareness about preventable tragedies:

• Distracted Driving: Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds in construction zones can be deadly.
• Excessive Speed: Failure to reduce speed when approaching work zones significantly increases crash severity.
• Following Too Closely: Construction zones often require sudden stops or lane changes.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs severely impair the reaction time needed to navigate work zones safely.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving can cause vehicles to drift out of lanes or off roadways entirely.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or other adverse conditions compound construction zone hazards.

Interstate 64 is a major transportation corridor connecting Newport News to other Hampton Roads cities and carries substantial traffic volumes. The section near Oyster Point Road where this crash occurred frequently hosts construction projects to maintain and improve the roadway infrastructure.

Virginia’s Wrongful Death Law

When fatal accidents occur in Virginia, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims under Virginia law. These claims can provide compensation for the loss of their loved ones and help families during an incredibly difficult time.

Navigating the aftermath of a fatal car accident requires specialized legal knowledge. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic circumstances involving construction zone accidents and vehicle fires.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Newport News or anywhere in the DMV metropolitan area, the DC accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Virginia. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.