Samuel Case, FISM News
Drivers on a Pennsylvania section of I-81 in Schuylkill County encountered a snow squall Monday morning, resulting in whiteout conditions that ended in a deadly 50-60 car pileup.
The massive crash left at least three people dead and dozens injured, with at least 24 people taken to the hospital, WGAL-TV reports. Schuylkill County coroner, Dr. David J. Moylan said the number of fatalities may be higher due to the multiple fires at the scene.
Pennsylvania State Police tweeted Tuesday morning that cleanup is still underway and the area remains closed to vehicles.
I 81 is still closed NB between Exit 107 and 119. Investigation continues. The clean up is about half done. Please avoid the area.
— Trooper Beohm (@PSPTroopLPIO) March 29, 2022
“All it takes is one person to crash into something and you have to pull off the road, but when you continue to drive at highway speed, this is what happens,” State Police Trooper David Beohm, explaining how these pile-ups occur.
The American Red Cross responded to the crash by providing “resources and assistance to affected motorists involved or affected by the multi-vehicle pileup.” The Red Cross Disaster Action Team is working “in coordination with local officials and emergency responders will establish a reception center and provide a safe and warm central hub for motorists and their families to receive information, blankets, food, and drink.”
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