Tractor-trailer jackknifes on Route 309 in Lehigh

A tractor-trailer that police said fishtailed due to wet conditions jackknifed at 2:51 a.m. Saturday on Route 309 in Lynn Township.

State police at the Fogelsville barracks said the unit was traveling north on the highway at about 45 mph when the operator lost control of the vehicle, causing it to become disabled in the roadway, partially blocking three lanes of travel.

According to police, the driver said the trailer slid out of control and, upon coming to rest, it would not start. Police said physical evidence observed at the scene consisted of skid marks leading up to the point where the truck became disabled.

Police said the fuel tank of the rig was damaged, as was the rear passenger side of the cab, where it struck the landing gear portion of the trailer while jackknifed. Debris from broken parts of the lighting equipment from the cab was scattered on the roadway.

The rig was removed from the roadway by Hauser's Towing, which relocated the rig to the parking lot of the Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant. A company mechanic was able to get the vehicle started and it was driven from the scene.

Police said the operator of the tractor-trailer was cited for failure to drive the vehicle at a safe speed.