Dump Trailer Hits Bridge on I-180, Scattering Debris and Causing Widespread Closures in Northumberland County

A tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 180 in Delaware Township, Northumberland County, caused significant traffic disruption, widespread power outages, and forced early school dismissals on the morning of Friday, September 27.
The incident occurred at 7:42 a.m. when a 2004 Peterbilt truck driven by David Wright of Muncy was traveling westbound hauling a 23-ton load of stone. According to The Standard-Journal, the dump trailer was elevated at the time and struck the Eighth Street Drive bridge, sending stone, vehicle debris, and power lines across all four lanes of I-180.
The crash resulted in the closure of both directions of Interstate 180 between the McEwensville/Watsontown and Turbotville exits. A detour was established using Susquehanna Trail, Route 54, and Church Road. Part of Eighth Street Drive was also closed while PennDOT structural engineers conducted an inspection of the impacted bridge, which had been replaced in 2021 as part of an $8.9 million infrastructure project.
The Warrior Run School District dismissed students shortly after arrival due to a power outage affecting its campus. PPL Electric Utilities reported that 1,835 customers initially lost power; 1,370 had service restored within 3 minutes thanks to smart grid technology, while the remaining 465 were expected to have power restored by 2:30 p.m.
Despite the severity of the incident and the presence of heavy fog in the area, the driver was not injured. Emergency crews, including the Warrior Run Area Fire Department, responded promptly to the scene.