The crash, which occurred in the late afternoon, involved several cars and a truck, with the exact number of vehicles still under investigation. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to manage the wreckage and provide medical assistance to those involved. Although details of the crash are still emerging, early reports indicate that multiple people sustained injuries, but fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
The cause of the accident remains unclear, but local authorities are considering several contributing factors, including poor visibility and slick road conditions due to ongoing rain in the area. Traffic on the highway was immediately brought to a standstill, and the southbound lanes were closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage and tow damaged vehicles. Emergency services also worked diligently to transport injured individuals to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has warned motorists to expect long delays and advised them to use alternative routes. Traffic updates provided through social media and local news outlets suggest that the closure caused significant backup, with many drivers stranded for hours. Authorities have urged drivers to remain patient as they continue their investigation and ensure the safe reopening of the highway.
Motorists who were not involved in the crash but were caught in the traffic jam shared their experiences on social media, describing chaotic scenes with vehicles scattered across multiple lanes and emergency responders working swiftly amid challenging conditions. Witnesses reported seeing ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars flooding the scene as crews coordinated efforts to manage the situation.
While the southbound lanes of I-79 have since reopened, the investigation into the accident continues, with authorities looking into whether speed, distracted driving, or adverse weather conditions played a role. PennDOT and local law enforcement have reminded drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly during inclement weather, to prevent such incidents in the future.