Wreck on U.S 501 hurts one

By Dave Thompson

Published: July 1, 2008

A rear-end collision on U.S. 501 near Gladys sent a van into oncoming traffic Tuesday, and sent a Lynchburg woman to the hospital via MedFlight helicopter.

Barbara Irby, 65, was airlifted to Lynchburg General Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Sgt. David Cooper of the Virginia State Police.

Cooper said William Worsham, 50, of Gladys, had stopped or nearly stopped his 2005 Chevrolet van to make a left turn from U.S. 501 onto Winfall Road shortly after 3 p.m., when he was struck from behind by a 1995 Ford van, driven by Amanda Gilliam, 40, of Brookneal.

Gilliam’s van pushed Worsham’s vehicle into the northbound lane of traffic, where he struck Irby’s 2002 Buick LeSabre on the front driver’s side.

Gilliam was charged with reckless driving.

Cooper said all three involved were wearing their seatbelts properly, which prevented serious injuries.

Gilliam, Cooper said, had minor injuries but was not hospitalized, and Worsham did not complain of any injuries.