A multi-vehicle crash involving 11 vehicles, including several tractor-trailers, shut down Interstate 78 westbound for more than seven hours Saturday morning in Berks County, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Hamburg.
The crash occurred around 7:51 a.m. on January 17, 2026, on Interstate 78 westbound just east of Hausman Road at mile marker 39.1 in Greenwich Township.
State Police said the crash began when a tractor-trailer traveling westbound, was being operated too fast for snow-covered road conditions. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to slide and strike the center concrete barrier. After the initial impact, ten additional vehicles — including three tractor-trailers — collided with the disabled truck.
A total of six drivers and passengers were transported to area hospitals, including Reading Hospital and Lehigh Valley Hospital, for treatment of injuries ranging from suspected minor to suspected serious injuries. Several other individuals involved in the crash were evaluated at the scene and not transported.State Police confirmed no fatalities resulted from the crash.
Among those transported was Kursat Ilgun of Orwigsburg, who sustained suspected serious injuries and was taken flown to Reading Hospital. Other transported individuals were treated primarily for suspected minor injuries.
Due to the severity of the crash and the number of vehicles involved, I-78 westbound was closed from approximately 7:52 a.m. until 2:55 p.m. Ten of the eleven vehicles involved were towed from the scene.
Police stated that traffic citations will be filed against the driver of the tractor-trailer that initiated the crash. The primary violation listed is driving at an unsafe speed for conditions.