The Pennsylvania Turnpike was closed eastbound between the New Stanton and Breezewood Interchanges for several hours Wednesday.
A fatal accident involving two tractor-trailers happened at mile maker 158 around 3 p.m.
Around 7 p.m., the highway between New Stanton and Bedford was reopened, with the rest following later in the night.
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According to spokesman for the turnpike, Carl DeFebo, posted on Twitter, one truck went fully over the embankment, while the other only partially left the road surface.
CRASH: The @PA_Turnpike is closed eastbound at the Bedford Exit due to a fatal accident at milepost 158 involving a pair of tractor trailers. One is over the bank fully involved in flames and the other is partially over the bank. Expect delays. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/bTRDGbY9Hg
— Carl DeFebo (@cdefebo) October 17, 2018
Police believe one of the drivers was passing the other while they went around a corner in the road, and one of the drivers drifted into the other lane, hitting the other truck.
Eastbound side of @PA_Turnpike is expected to reopen in about 2 hours (by 7 p.m.) after a crash at mile marker 158. This was a tricky incident scene on a steep hillside complicated by intense fire, multiple vehicles, and one tragic death. Kudos to all our responders.
— Carl DeFebo (@cdefebo) October 17, 2018
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