A truck driver was killed Thursday afternoon in Sussex County, Virginia, after a loose load from another vehicle struck his windshield, authorities said.

According to WRIC, the incident occurred around 1:46 p.m. on July 10, along General Mahone Highway near Spring Branch Road. Virginia State Police responded to the scene at 2:47 p.m.

64-year-old Keith Michael Loback of Roanoke was driving a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer westbound on the highway, hauling car parts and batteries. While traveling, a commercial vehicle heading eastbound reportedly lost its load cover — a detached canvas tarp with a metal frame — which struck the driver's side of Loback’s windshield.

The impact caused Loback to lose consciousness, sending the Freightliner across the eastbound lanes and into the tree line, where it crashed into several trees. Loback was pronounced dead at the scene.

The roadway was shut down for hours and detours were implemented. As of 6 p.m., traffic had resumed. At 9:30 p.m., Virginia State Police confirmed they had located the other involved driver thanks to tips from the public.

“This continues to be an ongoing criminal investigation,” police said in a statement, promising to release more information as it becomes available.