SOUTH CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA — The truck driver killed in a fiery tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 64 in Kanawha County has been identified as 63-year-old Jeffrey Carl Simons of Wellsburg, Iowa, according to South Charleston police.

The crash happened Tuesday evening on I-64 west near the Dunbar-South Charleston Bridge, close to Exit 54.

Tractor-Trailer Caught Fire After Crash

First responders said the tractor-trailer and a car were involved in the crash around 5:25 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

South Charleston Fire Chief Virgil White confirmed one fatality after the crash. South Charleston police later said the person killed was the driver of the tractor-trailer.

Fire crews worked to put out flames after the tractor-trailer caught fire. Images from the scene showed both the truck and car dangling off the edge of the bridge.

The crash closed westbound lanes of I-64 for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage. Traffic was later reduced to one westbound lane, with vehicles rerouted to MacCorkle Avenue.

Driver’s Dog Rescued From Cab

Simons’ dog, Hennessey, was in the cab with him when the crash happened.

People from other vehicles were able to pull Hennessey from the cab after the wreck. South Charleston police later took the dog to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.

KCHA said Hennessey was checked by a veterinarian and was not injured, though she was upset after the crash.

Family Located Through Social Media

The humane association began searching for Hennessey’s family after finding that her collar showed an Iowa area code.

KCHA posted her photo on social media and asked the public for help. Hundreds of comments came in before the end of the day, and the organization was eventually able to locate and notify Simons’ next of kin.

KCHA said staff were able to FaceTime with the family Wednesday morning.

“They are very, very emotional. They are thankful they do have a memory of their loved one in this dog and their loved one can live through this dog,” KCHA spokesperson Angie Gillenwater said. “It’s very emotional for everyone all around.”

Hennessey’s original shelter, the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, also thanked the public for helping identify her family. KCHA said it is working with the Marshalltown shelter to get Hennessey back home.

South Charleston police are investigating the crash.

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