Drivers Identified In Fiery Burke Crash, Charges Filed

Updated 3:10 p.m. Tuesday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Authorities have released the names of the drivers involved in a fiery crash on the Capital Beltway, with a Burke driver facing at least one criminal charge.

Virginia State Police were notified around 10:52 p.m. Sunday of reckless driving involving multiple vehicles in the area of the southbound Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) at Braddock Road. During the state police response, a 2020 McLaren 720S sideswiped an uninvolved 2000 Honda Pilot, causing it to overturn multiple times.

Rosa M. Rivera Orellana, 37, of Fairfax, the driver of the overturned vehicle, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver was wearing a seat belt.

According to state police, the McLaren 720s driver then struck something on the Capital Beltway, causing the vehicle to go over the guardrail and land on South Van Dorn Street below. Both vehicle occupants were ejected, and the vehicle caught fire. Two state troopers arriving on scene pulled the passenger close to the burning vehicle to safety.

The McLaren driver, George W. Shuey IV, 36, of Burke, and passenger, Eren Demir, 23, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Shuey was charged with reckless driving, and additional charges are pending consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. The crash remains under investigation.

State police say the two state troopers involved in the rescue had just finished the 143rd Basic Session in August.