The westbound lanes on I-70 have been closed after a 37-vehicle crash in Fulton County.
The crash occurred between Exit 163 at Amaranth and Exit 151 at Crystal Spring late Monday night. Cars and tractor trailers were backed up in Town Hill, south of Breezewood. Crews have been working on cleaning up the scene throughout Tuesday morning. One lane is already back open and officials are hoping the second westbound lane will be open within the next few hours.
Five ambulances were sent to the scene and people were taken to numerous area hospitals. Stranded drivers were taken to a warming center at the Breezewood Fire Hall. Red Cross was notified and was able to set people up in hotels overnight.
Several people were taken to the hospital. A Trooper from Hollidaysburg State Police has confirmed that eight people have minor injuries. There were no fatalities.
According to Brian Barton, Director of Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, “A tractor trailer ended up losing control and jack-knifing and it just became a chain reaction from there on out.”
Emergency crews said fuel from a tractor trailer was leaking on the roadway and that they are working to get it cleaned up. State Police has confirmed this crash was caused by icy road conditions. It was about 25 degrees Monday night.
“Throughout that time, fire and EMS personnel continued to patrol the crash incident, checking on individuals who had stayed with their vehicles, doing health and wellness checks,” said Barton.