South Hill police identify driver who died when he crashed into warehouse, sparking massive fire

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — South Hill police have determined the identity of the woman who died in a collision with a warehouse in Mecklenburg County on Saturday. which led to a massive fire.

According to police, 41-year-old Jennifer Fields of South Hill died on the afternoon of July 6, hours after a fatal accident in which a devastating fire at Nutrien Ag Solutions warehouse, 501 W. Danville Street.

According to police, Fields first hit a light pole, then the warehouse, and finally two propane tanks, which started the fire.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that speed was a factor in this accident,” police said in the July 8 update.

Numerous firefighters were dispatched to the scene and fought the fire for hours.

The warehouse, which stored pesticides and fertilizers for local farmers, was considered a total loss. However, it was empty at the time of the accident, so it only injured Fields and several firefighters.

A total of 15 firefighters were taken to local hospitals for treatment for heat exhaustion and chemical exposure.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. If you have relevant information, please contact South Hill Police at 434-447-3104.