Jail van crashes into tree in Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A van transporting inmates from the Western Tidewater Regional Jail struck a tree Monday morning.

Diana Klink with the City of Suffolk said the crash occurred around 8 a.m. when the van carrying 12 inmates, one guard and a driver ran up on a curb and struck a tree in the 400 block of North Main Street.

No injuries were reported initially, however, Klink said all inmates later complained of minor back, neck and shoulder pain. They were all transported to Sentara Obici Hospital by Suffolk Fire and Rescue.

Ten of the inmates returned to the jail a couple hours later, but two of the inmates remained at the hospital for additional examination.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Klink said the inmates were being transported to the Mills E. Godwin, Jr. Courts Building in Suffolk.

Family members requesting information about the status of inmates should contact Lt. Tanya Scott at Western Tidewater Regional Jail, 514-3119, extension 280.