Four men and two women killed in massive collision in snowy conditions on Interstate 81 near Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Modified Date: 
Sat, 04/02/2022 - 7:10pm
Accident Date: 
Monday, March 28, 2022

Dozens of vehicles collide in massive, fiery pileup on Pennsylvania highway; at least 3 dead

Estimates of the number of vehicles involved from the emergency management agency and state police ranged between 40 and 60, including multiple tractor trailers. Blickley said emergency personnel from four different counties took about 20 patients to area hospitals for treatment. 

Three killed in 50-vehicle pileup on Pennsylvania highway

The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. in northeast Pennsylvania and the deputy emergency management coordinator for the agency, John Blickley, said officials believe a snow squall clouded visibility and likely contributed to the accident, according to the Associated Press.

3 dead and more injured in crash involving dozens of vehicles on I-81 in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

Three tractor-trailers were on fire when emergency crews arrived, and some smaller vehicles also caught fire.

3 dead in snowy pileup of dozens of vehicles in Pennsylvania

In one video, an out of control tractor-trailer smashed into a large dump truck turning it nearly 180 degrees, another large truck caught fire and spewed black smoke into the air, and an SUV struck a passenger car sending it spinning narrowly past a person standing on the shoulder in snow and fog.

At Least 3 Dead In Pileup Of Dozens Of Vehicles In Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

Dr. David J. Moylan, the Schuylkill County coroner, said three fatalities had been confirmed by late afternoon. He said the search of the scene hadn’t been completed because of vehicles still burning. “I suspect it could run higher,” he said.

Police: 6 killed in Pennsylvania pileup of 80 vehicles

Police also said the crash during “an active snow squall” Monday around 10:30 a.m. and involved 39 commercial vehicles and 41 passenger vehicles, for a total of 80, which is greater than earlier estimates of 40 to 60 vehicles.

Police: 6 killed in Pennsylvania pileup of 80 vehicles

"There were 6 fatalities involved in this crash. Identities of the victims will be released once death notifications have been made to their families," state police in Frackville said.

Death toll rises to 6 after pileup during snow squall on Pennsylvania highway; 80 vehicles involved

Twenty-four people were taken to four different hospitals in the area, police said. Other people with less serious injuries were taken by bus to a reuinification center.

Official: 4 men, 2 women died in I-81 crash of 80 vehicles

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes said Friday that the victims of Monday's crash on Interstate 81 were between 40 to 70 years old and were burned beyond recognition, the (Pottsville) Republican-Herald reported.

Roadway: 
Interstate 81