Three dead, more than 40 injured in I-78 crash

A pileup involving dozens of vehicles on a Pennsylvania interstate that killed three people and sent dozens to hospitals appears to have been related to a passing snow squall, authorities told the Associated Press Saturday.

Trooper Justin Summa said three fatalities had been confirmed following the 9:45 a.m. Saturday crash which involved at least 50 commercial and private vehicles, according to the Associated Press. Police said more than 40 people were transported to several hospitals following the crash in Interstate 78 in Bethel Township.

Police in Lebanon County said the crash happened around 9:45 a.m. Saturday in the eastbound lanes of the interstate at Exit 8 in Bethel Township near the Route 22 split.

Emergency dispatch reports and survivors afterwards stated a sudden, blinding snow squall occurred at the time of the crash. Motorists also were trapped in their vehicles.

Police said more than 70 people were taken to a warming shelter operated by the American Red Cross at a firehouse in the area, according to the Associated Press.

I-78 westbound between the Route 22 exit and Interstate 81 was reopened to traffic before 5 a.m. Sunday.

The State Emergency Operation Center activated in response to crash sending representatives from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to the scene and its central area office has representatives in the Lebanon County Emergency Management Agency Operations Centers.

Emergency Preparedness Liaisons from Red Cross, State Police, Dept. of Military and Veteran Affairs, Human Services and Health were engaged in the response from the state, according to PEMA.

The Jonestown Fire Department established a shelter in response to the incident and the State Special Response Team is prepositioning at Fort Indiantown Gap to respond with stockpiled items to support any unmet needs.

Caution is urged of citizens traveling. Snow drifts are occurring on roadways, and extreme cold temperatures created more difficulty for those that may find themselves stranded on a roadway.

Saturday updates

Update 1:55 p.m.: Patients are also being transported to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Lancaster Regional, and Holy Spirit Hospital. The Lebanon County Corner is also on the scene.

Update 2:42 p.m.: PennDOT is reporting the following detours due to the crash on I-78:

• If traveling on I-78 West, detour at Exit 13 (Route 501) and follow posted Orange Route back to Route 22 West, back to I-78 West.
• If traveling on I-78 East, you are directed to Lickdale exit to Route 72 to 22 East. 
• If traveling on I-81 North, the exit to I-78 East is blocked. Detour is at Exit 90 (Route 72). Take Route 72 South to Route 22 East on to I-78 East.

PennDOT also expects delays on Routes 22 and 422 due to the accident.

 Update 3:07 p.m.: Statement from Red Cross: "Close to one dozen Red Cross volunteers and staff, including a nurse and a mental health professional, are providing assistance to the individuals involved in the massive I-78 traffic accident that occurred earlier today in Bethel Township (Lebanon County).
Currently we are providing blankets, food, and water from the staging location that has been created inside the Jonestown Fire Department. We will continue to work with the accident victims throughout the day to assess their needs, and we will provide additional support services as needed."

Update 3:42 p.m.: Lebanon County Fire Wire reports there are 3 dead in the #i78 crash.

Check back for frequent updates on this developing story.