Pocono News Section

Fatal Truck Crash in Northumberland County

Fatal Truck Crash in Northumberland County - Friday, September 18, 2009 at 5:01PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Sep 18, 2009 @ 05:01pm EDT
Point Township, Northumberland County-

A 32-year-old New York man is dead following a fatal early morning crash. It happened along Route 147 in Point Township, Northumberland County.

10 hours later, crews were still cleaning up the mess left behind from the horrific tractor trailer crash.

Point Township Patrolman Justin Harrington explained, “When officers arrived on scene, there were two tractor trailers involved, with heavy fire and confirmed entrapment.”

Police say the rigs were traveling southbound on Route 147 around 1AM, headed straight toward a construction zone.

The first trucker pulled to a stop, and the second driver rear-ended the first. The driver of the second truck was killed.

A traffic-control flagger barely avoided being hit.

County Operations Officer Stephen Jeffery cautioned, “Just remember when you’re coming up on a vehicle in any type of construction zone, slow down.”

Route 147 was shut down for much of Friday morning and afternoon as crews cleaned up the devastating crash site.

Officials say just clearing the wreckage was the biggest challenge during the cleanup effort. They estimate roughly 300 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled.

Jeffery explained, “Basically (they’re) just scrubbing the roadway, making sure the roadway is clear of any kind of petroleum products.”

This stretch of 147 has seen its share of tragedies. Police are urging everyone to pay extra attention here.

Harrington added, “Obviously use caution. The areas are well posted, well-lit. So yeah, extra caution does need to be exercised.”

The victim’s name is not being made public until family members are notified.