A tragic incident occurred near Charles Town, West Virginia, when a flagger working in a U.S. 340 work zone was struck by a SUV. The flagger, identified as Kathy A. Ruth, 62, from Mount Hope in Fayette County, West Virginia, was later pronounced dead at Jefferson Medical Center. Witnesses at the scene tried to lift the vehicle to help move the flagger before rescue personnel arrived, and fire and rescue teams ultimately were able to free her from under the SUV. Ruth was employed by Southern Traffic Solutions, who was responsible for traffic control during the road work on U.S. 340.
The accident occurred just north of the intersection with Lewisville Road around 10:30 a.m. in the morning. Ruth was stationed on the west shoulder of U.S. 340, stopping southbound traffic when a 2012 Lexus RX 350 struck her. The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old woman from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, had passed the first vehicle in line and hit the flagger, trapping her under the vehicle when it came to a stop. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident, which led to the closure of the road until 1 p.m. to allow for the investigation and documentation of the crash.
The work zone where the accident occurred had been in effect since March 25, with signs indicating one lane ahead and flagger warnings for motorists traveling south from the Rippon area to the state line. The tragic death of Kathy Ruth highlights the dangers that flaggers and other road workers face every day while working in high-traffic areas. The response to the incident involved multiple agencies including Citizens Fire Co., Independent Fire Co., the sheriff’s office, and the Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency.
The community is mourning the loss of Kathy Ruth, a dedicated worker who lost her life while performing her duties in the U.S. 340 work zone. The accident serves as a reminder of the risks that flaggers and other road workers face daily, particularly in busy construction zones. The investigation into the incident will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident and help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The closure of the road following the accident allowed officials to gather information and evidence related to the crash, ensuring a thorough investigation.
Southern Traffic Solutions, the company Ruth worked for, is likely devastated by the loss of one of their employees and will likely take steps to ensure the safety of their workers going forward. The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety measures in place for road workers in construction zones and the need for increased awareness and caution from motorists. The community will likely come together to support Ruth’s family and colleagues during this difficult time, as they mourn the loss of a beloved member of their community. The memory of Kathy Ruth will live on as a reminder of the risks that come with working on the roads and the importance of ensuring the safety of all workers in these environments.
