Head-On Collision Kills 2 Drivers In Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, VA — The Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash in Madison County that killed two people. The crash occurred around 2:05 p.m. Thursday on Route 231 (N. Blue Ridge Turnpike) at Route 651 (Aylor Road).

A 2002 Dodge Durango was traveling south on Route 231 when it crossed a double solid yellow centerline, and collided head-on with a northbound 2011 Chevy Malibu. The driver of the Dodge, Kenneth W. Edmondson, 56, of Kenbridge, Virginia, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Chevy Malibu, Rodney M. Coates, 50, of Banco, Virginia, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The police are considering a medical emergency as a factor in the crash. It would be extremely difficult to determine whether seat belts would have saved the lives of the drivers in this particular head-on collision, but the Virginia State Police noted in their incident report that neither driver was wearing a seat belt.

The Virginia State Police's Division 2 Accident Reconstruction Team, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Madison County Fire and Rescue and Virginia Department of Transportation assisted with the investigation.