A close up of the dumpster tractor commercial vehicle, that the Equinox crashed into before catching on fire. (Photo by James Dobbs)

PARKERSBURG — One fatality was reported due to an accident on U.S. 50 eastbound (Robert Byrd Highway) Wednesday afternoon, said Chief Deputy Rob Sims of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said.

Sims said three people were taken to the hospital for treatment following the accident.

A late model Chevy Equinox went off the road to the right, going eastbound on U.S. 50, Sims said, The Equinox struck a West Virginia Division of Highways tractor mower, hitting its left-rear tire. The vehicle then crossed two lanes of traffic, hitting a dumpster tractor commercial vehicle which caused the Equinox to catch fire, he said.

Sims said the driver of the dumpster tractor commercial vehicle, Chester Malone, walked away from the accident and that the driver of the DOH tractor mower, Scott Graham, was sent to the hospital. Sims said there were three passengers in the Equinox, two were sent to the hospital, while one did not make it out of the fire.

The names of the rest of those who were affected by the accident were not released Wednesday evening. Sims said the cause of the accident was unknown at this time.

The Chevy Equinox can be seen covered by a tarp, beside the dumpster tractor commercial vehicle. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Traffic was closed down for several hours on the eastbound lanes of U.S. 50 while the accident was investigated Wednesday afternoon.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com

Bystanders can be seen viewing the wreck. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Police officers can be seen talking to bystanders. (Photo by James Dobbs)