PREBLE, New York — A Canadian truck driver caused major highway closures Sunday evening after losing control of his tractor-trailer while attempting to pass another vehicle on snow-covered Interstate 81, according to New York State Police.

Troopers and Preble Fire Department crews responded around 5:45 p.m. to the 61-mile marker on I-81 South, where a 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by 30-year-old Gurpreet Singh Sran of Ontario, Canada jackknifed across both southbound lanes and both shoulders. The truck, owned by Blue Ice Transport of Alberta, was hauling auto parts.

State Police said roadway conditions were lightly wet and covered with snow at the time. Their investigation determined that Sran attempted to pass another vehicle “at an unreasonable speed”, resulting in a complete loss of control and the truck folding across the interstate.

I-81 South was immediately shut down at Exit 63 (Preble), and motorists were detoured onto Route 281. Preble Fire Chief Ryne Austin told X101 News that Tully Fire Department and the New York State Department of Transportation were also activated to assist with the closure and direct traffic safely off the highway.

Tow crews from All County and CNY Towing worked for hours to remove the disabled truck. After approximately two hours, one southbound lane reopened, with the entire interstate fully restored to traffic around 8:30 p.m.

According to State Police, no injuries were reported, and Sran was issued multiple tickets related to the crash.

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