At least 5 people were killed in a major crash involving a tour bus and three semi-trucks on the Pennsylvania Turnpike early Sunday in the western part of the state that left nearly 60 others injured, according to officials. The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday in the highway’s westbound lanes in Mount Pleasant Township, located about 40 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo confirmed fatalities on Twitter, saying a “prolonged closure” of the turnpike is likely. Pennsylvania State Police said the tour bus was traveling westbound on the highway on a downhill curve when it struck an embankment. Commercial vehicles traveling behind then struck the tour bus, according to state police. A total of six vehicles were involved in the crash, including a tour bus, three semi-trucks loaded with parcels and one private passenger vehicle, according to police.
It was not clear if the weather was a factor in the crash. The National Weather Service forecast for Westmoreland County early Sunday listed light unknown precipitation and an air temperature just below freezing. One FedEx semi-truck was pictured among the trucks involved in the crash. A FedEx spokesperson said the company extends “our deepest condolences to the families of the individuals involved in this accident.”
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