On Saturday morning, October 21, 2023 a three-vehicle accident involving a tanker trailer carrying jet fuel resulted in three fatalities on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The incident occurred on the Northeast Extension of Interstate 476 in Worcester Township.
According to reports, the series of events began when a vehicle with a flat tire stopped in the right northbound lane. A second driver, noticing the stranded motorist, pulled over and activated their hazard lights to offer assistance. However, a tanker truck traveling behind them couldn’t halt in time and collided with the two stationary vehicles. The impact led to a significant fire.
Both the tanker truck driver and the driver who had stopped to help were declared dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle with the flat tire was transported to a local hospital and later died. The names of the victims are yet to be disclosed.
Footage from bystanders displayed the aftermath at the crash site, about 25 miles from Philadelphia. One clip included a commentary from a passing driver, Hector Lucena, who observed the extensive debris from the accident and the burning tanker.
Further aerial views revealed the burnt remnants of the three vehicles, which appeared to be covered in foam.
As a result of the accident, police had to close all lanes between the Mid-County and Lansdale exits.