Pennsylvania State Police said six people were killed in Monday’s massive pileup on a snowy Interstate 81 near Minersville, Schuylkill County.
Police are not releasing any names at this time.
Police had said Monday that at least three people were killed. However, due to numerous burning vehicles they were not able to complete a search of the wreckage.
The new death toll number was announced Wednesday morning.
Up to 60 vehicles were involved in the crash that turned the stretch of road between the Tremont/Tower City exit and Highridge Park Road into a chaotic smoking scene. At least 24 people were taken to the hospital. Watch the video below to see aerial shots of the huge pileup.
I-81 reopens
I-81 fully reopened Wednesday around 1 a.m., more than 40 hours after the crash happened.
After towing all the vehicles away, crews had to re-mill the roadway.
The top layer of asphalt had to be removed because so many liquids, such as oil, fuel and antifreeze, had been spilled.
Pennsylvania State Police said the huge crash was caused by a snow squall.
“The snow came out of nowhere. I was just driving back and then could see only one car in front of me and then it went fully white, I couldn’t even see three feet in front of me,” said witness Lillie Weaver. “I was hearing loud bangs, explosions and then I saw the smoke. That was the one thing I could see was black smoke from the tractor-trailer.”
The Red Cross was called in to assist people stuck on the road.
Warning: harrowing first-person video captures crash
Mike Moye was involved in the crash and shot a first-hand account of what happened after he got out of his car, including burning tractor-trailers, a person almost getting hit, an out-of-control tow truck and more. Please note there is profanity and some may find the video disturbing. You can watch it below:
Second huge crash in central Pennsylvania this month
Monday’s crash is the second time this month there has been a big chain reaction crash on a central Pennsylvania road.
On Saturday, March 12, 70 cars, SUVs, trucks and tractor-trailers were involved in a huge crash on Route 581 in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County. Crews at the scene told WGAL that a snowstorm may have played a role.
No one was killed in that crash, but some people were treated for injuries.
A man with a roadside assistance company took a three-minute walk through the wreckage. You can see that video below.
Stay with WGAL for updates on this developing story.
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