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.