Tractor trailer accident kills at least 1 in Pennsylvania

Tragedy struck a toll booth on Interstate 78 when a truck decimated another vehicle, killing at least one person. The tractor trailer accident happened on the morning of Jan. 13, and Pennsylvania authorities are still investigating what caused the crash and were not initially able to confirm if further fatalities were caused. The investigation is ongoing, and the trucking company is cooperating with law enforcement officials.

Apparently, a passenger vehicle was stopped at the toll booth when the truck slammed into it from behind, traveling 200 feet past the booth and bursting into flames. None of the toll takers in the booths were injured, thankfully, but the passenger vehicle was demolished in the crash. Witnesses say the majority of the body of the vehicle was crushed under the truck, with only the hood and front wheels visible.

Police have confirmed at least one person was in the car and died as a result of the crash. They have not released the identity of the victim, and they were examining the wreckage to determine if anyone else was in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The driver of the truck was not badly hurt and was cooperative with law enforcement on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Pennsylvania police will need to determine whether the driver of the truck is culpable for this tractor trailer accident or whether other factors were in play that may have led to the crash. If it is determined that the driver was negligent or reckless in his or her operation of the vehicle, that individual could face criminal charges for the fatality. The victim’s next of kin may independently elect to pursue wrongful death suits against the individual driver and likely the truck company as well.

This blog entry was posted on behalf of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firm or its attorneys. The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.

Source: lehighvalleylive.com, Truck slams into car at I-78 toll booth, killing at least one, before bursting into flames, officials say, Sarah M. Wojcik, Jan. 13, 2014