Officer-involved crash closes I-264

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - All lanes of Interstate 264 westbound have re-opened after a three vehicle crash involving a Norfolk police officer. The accident happened around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Sgt. Ben Jones of the Virginia State Police told WAVY.com a silver Lexus smashed into the back of a black Mercury SUV, pushing it into the back of a Norfolk Police cruiser. Jones said all three vehicles were moving when the chain-reaction crash began in the far right lane of I-264 westbound.

He said the Lexus pushed the SUV across three lanes of the interstate before it came to a stop at the jersey wall, about 1,000 feet from the initial point of impact.

The Lexus and SUV were both severely damaged. Jones said one person in each of the vehicles was taken to the hospital, but there's no word on their conditions.

Jones said the Norfolk police officer is fine and did not have to go to the hospital.

Traffic was backed up for about two hours as State Police investigated. One woman who drove up to the accident seconds after it happened told WAVY.com she saw the Lexus on fire.

An official at the scene who asked to remain anonymous told WAVY.com speed was a factor. There's still no word on whether or not alcohol played a role in the crash or what charges, if any, will be filed.