A Harrisburg woman has been identified as the victim in a fatal crash on Interstate 81 near Hazleton on Wednesday.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, the crash occurred just before 2:00pm, on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 near mile marker 142.5 in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81.
Troopers say the crash occurred when Amiyah Sherard, 19, of Harrisburg was driving northbound in her Chevrolet Impala on Interstate 81 when for unknown reasons went off the left side of the highway, crossed the center median, and struck a tractor trailer being driven by John Ripley, 51, of Marathon, NY, head-on.
Sherard was said to have suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Luzerne County Coroner. Sherard was not wearing a seatbelt.
Sherard also had a 1 year child in the vehicle with her.
The child was properly restrained in a car seat but was said to have suffered serious injuries. The child was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital then flown to Geisinger in Danville.
Ripley suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. He was wearing his seatbelt.
As of 7:45p, Interstate 81 southbound was still closed at the Route 924/Hazleton Exit.
State Police were assisted at the scene by Medic 11, Hazle Township Fire Company, D&B Towing, and PennDOT.
State Police continue to investigate the crash.