Authorities continue to investigate a two-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer and another vehicle that occurred early Saturday morning on Interstate 83 in Pennsylvania. Both vehicles became engulfed in flames after fuel from the tractor-trailer leaked onto the highway and caught fire. Law enforcement shut down the interstate for vehicle removal and HAZMAT cleanup. It was over 12 hours before the northbound lanes partially reopened to traffic.
For reasons that are still unclear, the northbound tractor-trailer struck a concrete barrier after veering off the road. Damage to the fuel tanks occurred, causing fuel to leak out onto the highway where it later ignited, when the tractor-trailer skidded across the top of the barrier.
The tractor-trailer then hit the center median and rolled over after traveling across both northbound lanes. Meanwhile, another vehicle, containing a 29-year-old female driver and a male passenger of indeterminate age, ran into the tractor-trailer’s debris. Both vehicles caught on fire as a result of the spilled fuel from the tractor-trailer.
There was no transport to the hospital for the occupants of the other vehicle, and it is unclear whether they sustained any injury. The driver of the tractor-trailer did sustain minor injuries and went to the hospital in the care of responders.
It is unclear what initially caused the tractor-trailer to veer off the road. Authorities have not commented on whether speed, impairment or road conditions may have played a part, nor have they announced any intention to file criminal charges. Those adversely affected by a truck accident may wish to have a discussion with an attorney.
