Community Corner

One Dead After Possible 50-Vehicle Turnpike Crash [Photos]

There were reports of other vehicle collisions in the region.

Written by Nicole Foulke and Courtney Elko

One person died following a car crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Sunday afternoon in which up to 50 vehicles might have been involved, according to Action News 6abc.com.

The victim got out of his or her car and was struck by a passing car,according to 6abc.com. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Find out what's happening in Abingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the crash occurred on the westbound side of the turnpike around 12:30 p.m. in the Morgantown area at mile marker 300.

Officials said they think that weather may have contributed to the crash.

Find out what's happening in Abingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch editor Courtney Elko was stuck on the westbound side of the turnpike from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., when traffic was immobile.

"Cars were up embankments and all over, on and off, the road. Some lost tires and there as debris all over the road," Elko said. "During the four hour wait, people were walking their dogs on the turnpike, standing outside chatting and some pulled off onto the shoulder, abandoned their cars and started walking. At least one car lost power and had to be jumped, fortunately it started up again."

Elko was able to exit the turnpike but indicated around 5:30 p.m. that traffic was moving "very slowly" in both directions, passed the crash scene. 

At about 6:30 p.m., multiple tow trucks had arrived on the scene and were removing several disabled vehicles from the crash, that had been pulled off onto a wide-shoulder area, so one-lane of traffic could pass, Elko said. 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike continued to be shutdown and no new traffic was permitted to enter, between the Downingtown and Morgantown interchanges, as of about 7 p.m. Sunday and a detour route was still in effect. 

Take State Route 100 North (9 miles) to State Route 23 West (12.5 miles) to State Route 10 North (1 mile). Re-enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Morgantown Interchange (298/old 22), according to 6abc.com.

Three more accidents were reported in I-95 in Delaware county Sunday afternoon; four accidents on I-476 were reported, as well.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here