Pennsylvania Tractor-Trailer Crash Leaves Two Dead
Aug 8, 2011 Auto & Car Crashes
Two people lost their lives on Thursday, May 26th, in a crash on Interstate 70 near Claysville, PA that involved two tractor-trailer rigs. Two Rome, Georgia residents lost their lives in the crash, 58-year-old Frank Shepherd and 48-year-old Pamela Shepherd. The tractor trailer the two were driving was headed eastbound on I-70 when they struck another tractor-trailer rig traveling in the same direction according to Tim Warco, Washington County Coroner.
The fiery crash took place near the entrance ramp at the Welcome Center around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday evening. According to state police Trooper Joseph Christy, the Shepherd’s tractor trailer went out of control after striking the first rig, then struck two other tractor trailers that were parked at the Welcome Center.
One of the big rig drivers told reporters that he and several others ran to the cab of the Shepherd’s tractor trailer rig which was engulfed in flames. The driver said the scene was horrific as those who tried to help could hear cries inside but could do nothing to help.
Trooper Christy said that the way the crash unfolded, it happened so quickly that even the vehicles that were struck had drivers exit in an attempt to help, but there simply was no opportunity.
The Shepherd’s truck was carrying frozen chicken; according to firefighters, one of the trucks involved in the accident spilled diesel fuel, which caught fire and spread to the cab and trailer of the burned truck. Hazardous materials crews were called to the scene of the accident. Officials continue to investigate the crash; the Welcome Center is closed for the time being.
Ironically, the Welcome Center is the location where transportation and law enforcement officials were planning to hold a campaign meant to reduce the number of accidents in western Pennsylvania. Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) is a program that was scheduled to kickoff safe driving over the Memorial Day weekend, but was cancelled due to the tragic accident.
While this fatal accident involved four tractor trailer rigs, all too often small cars are the opposition against a large truck when an accident occurs.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer, contact the Buffalo truck accident attorneys at Brown Chiari. We work to aggressively represent the rights of our Buffalo personal injury clients. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
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