Snowy 12-Vehicle Pileup Involving Multiple Semi Trucks and Cars Shuts Down I-78 in Berks County as Fire Crews Handle Multiple Entrapments
GREENWICH TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA — A major multi-vehicle crash during snowy conditions forced an hours-long closure on Interstate 78 in Berks County Saturday before lanes reopened later in the afternoon, according to Pennsylvania State Police and local fire officials.

State police said the crash occurred in the westbound lanes near mile marker 39.1 in Greenwich Township. Initial dispatches reported a multi-vehicle crash, and troopers later confirmed four commercial vehicles and eight passenger vehicles were involved.

Officials said snow and reduced visibility made it difficult for responders to determine which vehicles were disabled versus involved in the crash, contributing to a complex scene and extended closure.

PSP said I-78 westbound was closed between Exit 45 and Exit 35, and eastbound lanes were also closed at Exit 35 during the response.

Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg said Rescue 61 assisted Kempton Fire Company at the scene, where crews handled multiple entrapments. Fire officials said responders placed cutters in service and removed the roof of a vehicle to free a trapped occupant.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Brownback confirmed that both lanes of I-78 reopened by 4 p.m. Authorities did not immediately release how many people were injured.

The crash remains under investigation.




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