Fatal Crash Brings Traffic To Halt On Pa. Turnpike
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EVERETT, Pa. (KDKA) -- A fatal crash brought traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a standstill on Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened in Bedford County, on the eastbound side of the highway between the Bedford and Breezewood exits at Milepost 158.
Two tractor trailers collided just before noon.
According to state police, one of the tractor trailers was trying to pass the other. The driver lost control on a curve, traveled into the right lane and struck the other tractor trailer.
The two tractor trailers ended up on the shoulder of the road after the initial impact.
The one that was struck by the tractor trailer that lost control, went up an embankment and then rolled over. The tractor trailer that initially lost control then went through a guide rail, down an embankment, crashed into a culvert and caught fire.
CRASH: The @PA_Turnpike is closed eastbound at the Bedford Exit due to a fatal accident at milepost 158 involving a pair of tractor trailers. One is over the bank fully involved in flames and the other is partially over the bank. Expect delays. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/bTRDGbY9Hg
— Carl DeFebo (@cdefebo) October 17, 2018
The driver of that tractor trailer was pronounced dead on the scene by the Bedford County Coroner. His name has not yet been released.
The other driver suffered minor injuries. His tractor trailer was carrying a load of cars.
Multiple fire companies, police departments and EMS crews responded to the scene.
The eastbound side of the road was closed between the New Stanton and Breezewood exits, but has since reopened. There were heavy delays in the area for several hours, but traffic is now back to normal.
CLEARED: Detour I-76EB bet MM75.4 & MM161.5, bet New Stanton(Exit 75) & Breezewood(Exit 161) traffic is back to normal
— PA Turnpike Alerts (@PATurnpikeAlert) October 17, 2018
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.