Additional 24 people were also injured in the horrific crash that involved 80 vehicles. Officials said it sparked an “large fire”
A spokesperson for the state police stated Wednesday that there was an active snow storm — a severe snowstorm that can dramatically reduce visibility — at the time of I-81’s pileup. Witnesses captured multiple vehicles colliding with each other in heavy snowfall. Some drivers tried to pull off the highway for safety.
According to the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management representative, three tractor trailers caught on fire. State police also stated that there was a large fire involving multiple vehicles. According to police, there were 41 passenger cars and 39 commercial vehicles involved in Wednesday’s crash.
The crash site was reopened Wednesday morning.
Three deaths were confirmed by the Schuylkill County Coroner on Monday. However, he said that it was likely to increase. Six victims of the accident have yet to be identified.
