All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Wreck closes Corridor H near Morton Avenue

Route 33 Wreck

BUCKHANNON — A two-vehicle wreck Friday morning closed Route 33 for an extended period of time near the Morton Avenue exit.

According to Lt. Doug Loudin with the Buckhannon Police Department, two trucks were traveling along Route 33 toward Elkins, just east of the Morton Avenue intersection, at 8:36 a.m. Friday.

One truck struck the other from behind, sparking the wreck.

Loudin said James Tomey, 73, of Buckhannon, was driving a 1993 International dump truck with a trailer when he was hit from behind by a 2006 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Douglas Decker, 48, of Elkins. The tractor trailer company was reported as Rainbow Trucking LLC out of Coalton.

The impact caused Tomey to strike a guardrail and bridge abutment, rolling on its side and losing a dozer it was hauling.

Tomey was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and had been released as of Friday afternoon, according to Lisa Wharton, St. Joseph’s Hospital vice president for marketing, public relations and foundation.

Pending investigation, no citations were issued at the scene.

The West Virginia Public Service Commission, W.Va. State Police (Barbour County detachment) Upshur County EMS and the Department of Highways all responded as the wreck was cleaned up over a period of several hours.

“It was a mess,” Loudin said. “It took us from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to get it cleaned up.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Ricky Allen Boyd

Ricky Allen Boyd, 61, of Buckhannon, a beloved member of the community known for his humor and longtime participation in Upshur County Special Olympics, died December 23, 2025, and will be cremated following visitation.

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.