Coroner called to massive pile-up on I-81 in Schuylkill County
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/03/coroner-called-to-massive-pile-up-on-i-81-in-schuylkill-county.html
At least three people have died in the massive pile-up on northbound Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County Monday, according to reports.
Although authorities originally said 40 vehicles were involved, state police now say 50-60 vehicles crashed near mile marker 116 in Foster Township due to a snow squall.
The Pottsville Republican-Herald cited Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Al Barnes as saying that there were three fatalities as of 3 p.m.
State police said there were multiple injuries, and about 20 motorists were taken to local hospitals, Schuylkill County authorities told PennLive.
The crash was first reported around 10:30 a.m., according to Schuylkill County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator John Blickley and state police said just before 2:30 p.m. that there was still a large active fire burning involving several of the vehicles.
State police Trooper David Beohm said fire crews are having to bring tanker trucks to the area because there are no water sources from hydrants at the scene.
The fire itself is delaying the response.
“We can’t do anything while there’s still an active fire going, and fire (officials) say it will probably be another one to two hours until they get it extinguished,” Beohm said.
Many fire units were at the scene, including a number or tankers coming to replenish water because there was no water source from hydrants on scene.
A mass casualty center was set up on the property of the Wegman’s Distribution Center near the crash site, the Republican Herald reported.
Blickley said up to 75 motorists who were not hurt were bussed to that reception area that was set up by the Red Cross, who is providing warming stations, blankets, food and drinks to them.
Officials are also working on reunifying motorists with loved ones, Blickley said.
As of 3 p.m., PennDOT reported that all I-81 northbound lanes were closed between Exit 107: US 209 - Tremont/Tower City and Exit 119: High Ridge Park Road.
A snow squall warning was still in effect for central Schuylkill County and the surrounding region until 4:15 p.m.
PennDOT warned that there is extremely poor visibility in the snow and blowing snow, with wind gusts up to 30 mph.