Part of Interstate 80 was shut down for hours due to a multi-vehicle crash that snarled traffic and spurred PennDOT to enforce speed limits and detours, as the wintry conditions posed a challenge to motorists in Clarion and Jefferson counties. According to WPXI, the eastbound I-80 between Exit 60 and Exit 78 was closed since roughly 1:45 p.m. yesterday. Pennsylvania State Police were on the scene and reported "unknown injuries" at the time of the accident. The area was not clear for traffic until approximately 9:30 p.m., when PennDOT announced it had reopened.
Details on the number of vehicles involved or the specific number of injuries sustained in the accident remain scarce. An investigation undertaken by the Pennsylvania State Police, with the aid of multiple agencies, is ongoing.
Motorists faced significant delays due to the closure and subsequent detours, one of which had to be altered since a fallen tree blocked the originally suggested route. As conditions deteriorated with a winter storm underway, authorities urged drivers to proceed with caution and be mindful of snow squalls in high traffic areas like I-80.
Individuals with information about the crash have been requested to contact the PSP-Clarion at 814-227-1710, as detailed by WTAE. As of now, PSP continues to unravel the details of the crash, while commuters on I-80, now that the roads have reopened, are tasked with navigating the winter roads with extra caution.
