Monday, December 7, 2020

Tractor Trailer Driver Flees Crash on Interstate 81

The Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville are investigating a crash on Interstate 81 last week where the driver of a tractor trailer fled the scene.

According to Troopers, the crash occurred on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 just beyond the Delano Exit in Delano Township.

Police say a tractor trailer was traveling in the right lane when it struck the back end of a Honda Civic being driven by Emilee Barkus, 28, of Mahanoy City.

After being struck, Barkus' vehicle traveled into the left lane and struck another tractor trailer being driven by Michael Merithew, 31, of Chittenango, NY, then veered back to the right and into the first tractor trailer.

Barkus' vehicle went off the berm of the highway and up and embankment before coming to a stop.

Both tractor trailers pulled over, but the driver of the first tractor trailer, got back into his truck and fled the scene south on Interstate 81.

No description was obtained of the tractor trailer or of the driver.

No injuries were reported.

State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has other information in regards to the tractor trailer or driver that fled the scene, to contact the Frackville Barracks at (570) 874-5300.