Rig carrying Amazon packages crashed on I-81
Interstate 81 Southbound mile marker 138.9 near Tamaqua was closed this morning due to tractor trailer rollover. The incident happened shortly after 9 a.m. One minor injury was reported. McAdoo fire department is on scene. COPYRIGHT LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Traffic was backed up on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County for more than a mile after a tractor-trailer crashed and rolled onto its side near the McAdoo exit.
The crash took place shortly after 8 a.m., resulting in the southbound lanes of the interstate being shut down.
State police at the Frackville barracks are investigating the crash. They were assisted by troopers from the Hazleton barracks and first responders from the McAdoo Fire Department.
Officials said the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries.
Reports from the scene indicated the truck was hauling products from Amazon’s fulfillment center in Humboldt Industrial Park when it wrecked and was flipped onto its side across the road and partially in the median. Fire company members directed traffic off the southbound interstate at the mile marker 141 exit and also diverted traffic to the northbound lanes via a turnaround in the median.
Witnesses said a towing company was called to the scene and turned the vehicle onto its wheels, towing it from the scene about 2½ hours after the crash. A fire company representative said the rig was taken back to the Amazon center.
About 400 to 500 feet of guide railing was damaged.
In addition to fire company responders, American Patient Transport Systems and Delano Fire Company personnel responded, while Pennsylvania Department of Transportation employees assisted with traffic control.
The firefighters cleaned up debris and a small amount of fuel additive that spilled on the interstate.
