On Tuesday evening, Schuylkill County Commissioners Barron Hetherington, Gary Hess, and George Halcovage issued a statement in regards to Monday's crash on Interstate 81.
The Schuylkill County Commissioners would like to extend our prayers and condolences to all the victims of the tragic traffic incident that occurred on Northbound I-81 on Monday morning. We also wish to acknowledge and praise all the individuals and organizations that rose up to the occasion when asked to respond. We would like to recognize the response of our county 911 and EMA staff along with so many volunteer First Responders, Schuylkill Transportation System, local law enforcement, Penn DOT and PA State Police. In addition, we would like to recognize the help and generous support of Minersville Goodwill Fire and Ambulance Company and Wegmans for providing shelter to the victims. As always, the Schuylkill County United Way and the Red Cross were on the scene helping and arranged for lodging for those victims who were from out of the area. We are proud of all who helped and responded and once again give our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
As of 7:45pm, Tuesday, Interstate 81 northbound remained closed from the Tremont Exit to the Highridge with all fire personnel cleared from the scene. Public Information Officer Trooper Dave Beohm said late Tuesday that the highway won't reopen until Wednesday morning.
"Crews continue to remove vehicles Construction work will need to be done once the road has been cleared The road will be opened after construction Anticipated opening is early tomorrow morning", Trooper Beohm said in a tweet.Monday's crash occurred at mile marker 116 near the Minersville exit and involved 50 to 60 vehicles. The Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville said 24 people were injured and did confirm fatalities. A specific number of fatalities was not provided as of this posting.
Photo by D. Scicchitano Photography