A helicopter approaches the scene of a fatal accident on U.S. 50 near Progress Ridge Road Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Westbound lanes of U.S. 50 are closed near Progress Ridge Road after a fatal accident at approximately 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

West Virginia State Police and the Deerwalk Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene of an accident that appeared to involve a semi-truck hauling lumber and a small pickup. Wood County 911 confirmed once person was killed in the accident.

A supervisor at the Wood County 911 Center said they have not been given any estimate on how long the highway would be closed.

As of 1 p.m., emergency responders were working to turn around traffic that was backing up in the westbound lanes. A helicopter was approaching the scene at approximately 1:15 p.m.

Read more in Thursday’s News and Sentinel.