‘Mass casualty’ crashes reported on PA Turnpike
Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have confirmed that pileup crashes involving semi trucks occurred on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Wednesday afternoon.
According to PSP, two crashes involving 8 vehicles occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Brecknock Township, which is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Due to two crashes involving 8 vehicles in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be temporarily closed westbound from Morgantown to Reading interchanges.
— Cpl. Holly Reber-Billings (@PSPTroopTPIO) July 21, 2021
The Geigertown Fire Company reported units being dispatched to mile maker 292 on the westbound Turnpike for “a mass causality incident involving several vehicles with 15+ injuries.”
Lancaster County Commissioner Ray D’Agostino also called the crash a “mass casualty” incident and asked for prayers for the injured.
Mass casualty accident on PA Turnpike westbound near mile post 292.7 involving tractor trailer into a line of vehicles. Over a dozen people injured and over a dozen EMS units responding. Avoid the area and pray for the injured.
— Commissioner Ray D’Agostino (@CommissionerRD) July 21, 2021
Local news outlet Fox 43 reports that the crashes occurred after two semi trucks drove into multiple stopped vehicles.
As a result of the crashes, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is partially closed westbound from Morgantown to Reading interchanges. One lane reopened around 3 p.m.
This is a developing story and the cause of the crashes remains under investigation.