Icy interstates caused crashes early Friday

Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·1 min read

Apr. 3—Both directions of Interstate 81 in part of Schuylkill County were closed for multiple vehicle crashes early Friday morning, according to state police at Frackville.

Police said the accidents — five of them — were caused by ice on a bridge near Exit 131 for Mahanoy City/Hometown.

There were no injuries.

According to Ryan Township Fire and Rescue, the first accident was a rollover in the northbound lanes. As units tended to the incident, two more accidents were reported.

Police shut down the interstate so crews could clear the crash sites and salt the roads.

Northbound lanes reopened at 2:57 a.m. Friday, and southbound lanes reopened about 90 minutes later.

Altamont Fire Company and Mahanoy City police also responded.

Also early Friday, a crash on icy Interstate 80 sent two people to a hospital after they were ejected when their vehicle rolled several times in Butler Township, Luzerne County.

After the victims were transported, firefighters had to saw through guiderail that was wrapped around the vehicle to free it to be towed, said Kevin Tarapchak, deputy chief at Valley Regional Fire and Rescue.