LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Interstate 78 westbound has reopened in Lower Saucon Township following an overnight multi-vehicle crash involving three tractor-trailers that shut down the highway for hours.
According to officials, the crash began when an eastbound tractor-trailer hauling cranberry juice lost control and crossed into the westbound lanes, where it overturned. That caused a second tractor-trailer to strike another vehicle.
Northampton County 911 received the call just before 9 p.m. Monday for a crash near the Route 378 underpass by Hellertown, around mile marker 64.4.
The overturned truck came to rest facing the wrong direction, alongside a second tractor-trailer on the westbound roadway. A third damaged tractor-trailer was found pulled over a short distance down the road. A transit van was also on scene, though it is not yet clear whether it was involved in the crash.
Emergency crews used hydraulic tools during a full roof removal to free one person trapped in a tractor-trailer. One Class 2 injury was reported. That person’s condition has not been released.
I-78 westbound was closed between Exit 67 (Route 412, Hellertown/Bethlehem) and Exit 60B (Route 145/South Fourth Street) starting at 9:09 p.m. Monday. All lanes have since reopened.
Pennsylvania State Police have not said what caused the eastbound truck to lose control. The names of the drivers have not been released.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
