South Jersey Man Killed By Falling Debris Inside Highway Tunnel

A South Jersey man was killed after an electrical conduit collapsed inside a tunnel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Wednesday, authorities said. The incident happened in southbound lanes of the Lehigh Tunnel of the Northeast Extension around 6 p.m., according to information from Pennsylvania State Police.

According to authorities, Howard Sexton III, 70, of Mickleton, N.J. was driving a tractor trailer in the tunnel when a piece of electrical conduit from the ceiling crashed through his windshield, hitting him in the head. Sexton's truck continued for about a mile before stopping on the right shoulder, according to police.

Pennsylvania State Police arrived on the scene and found him deceased behind the wheel.

PA Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo said in a statement that the Turnpike's engineering department is still investigating the incident, and it is too early to comment what caused the debris to become dislodged.

He said the tunnel will reopen today after needed repairs are made and it is deemed safe for travel.

According to DeFebo, the Lehigh Tunnel, like all Turnpike tunnels, are inspected biennially. The most recent inspection was done in September 2016. In December 2017, the PA Turnpike advertised for bids for replacement of the lighting systems in both Lehigh tubes. A contract is scheduled to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder at the March 6 Turnpike Commission meeting. Work is expected to get under way this spring, DeFebo said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Trooper Ronald Zanella at 570-443-9511.

Image via Google maps