VSP investigating fatal single vehicle accident

Members of the Virginia State Police say they are working on a single car accident that resulted in a fatality early Tuesday morning.

According to the report, a Virginia State Trooper made a traffic stop on eastbound I-64, east of the high rise bridge, on a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe for suspected driving under the influence. As the Trooper approached the vehicle to make driver identification, the suspect, Vondale Jones, 38, of Portsmouth, reportedly drove away so the trooper followed him onto I-264.

Officials say that when Jones exited the interstate at Greenwood Drive at a high rate of speed, he lost control of his car, and crashed into a tree. This then apparently caused Jones to get trapped in his car, which then caught fire.

According to the report, as the vehicle caught fire, troopers got Jones out of the car and he was then taken to Maryview Hospital. Jones was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Troopers apparently sustained minor injuries in trying to remove Jones from the burning vehicle.
 
Officials say that alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, and Jones was not wearing his seatbelt. Notification has apparently been made to family members, however the investigation is still ongoing.