A Virginia Beach man died in an eight-vehicle pileup on Pruden Boulevard Wednesday morning that sent six others to hospitals and kept the road closed in both directions for about 10 hours.

Thomas David Rush, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred at 7:14 a.m. in the 4700 block of the road. It involved two tractor-trailers and six passenger vehicles.

Two other victims were airlifted and later admitted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, with one listed in fair condition and one in serious condition as of Wednesday afternoon; a third victim taken to Norfolk by ground ambulance was treated and released.

Two of three victims taken by ground ambulance to Sentara Obici Hospital were treated and released, and the third one was still being evaluated Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic was detoured around the wreck all day while police investigated the accident and hazardous materials crews cleaned up a diesel fuel spill.

Police Chief Thomas Bennett said Wednesday evening that the investigation has not yet been completed but that the initial cause led to a “chain reaction” because of many vehicles near each other going at high speeds.