I-81 remains closed nearly 24 hours after 50 vehicle pileup that killed at least 3

Pennsylvania transportation officials say that I-81 could remain closed for a good part of the day on Tuesday following a pileup that killed multiple people on Monday morning.

The pileup occurred during a snow squall around 10:30 a.m. on Monday on I-81 at mile marker 116, near Minersville, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

According to a news release issued by Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) on Tuesday morning, between 50 and 60 vehicles were involved in the pileup. Several vehicles caught fire, troopers said.

The Tuesday report from PSP said that 24 people were transported to the hospital with various injuries.

PSP said that while fatalities were confirmed, they are unable to give an official number “due to extensive damage and continued clean-up.” Local news outlets have confirmed that at least three people were killed. Some outlets are reporting that five people perished in the pileup.

The dash cam video below was captured by a vehicle involved in the pileup. In the video, you can see a person diving out of the way to avoid being hit by the dash cammer.

PSP said on Tuesday morning that I-81 could remain closed for another 6 to 8 hours.

For the latest travel information from PennDOT, visit 511pa.com.