Corrosion In Turnpike Tunnel Where Conduit Fell, Killed Man: NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on an incident in which a man was killed by falling debris inside a Pennsylvaina Turnpike tunnel in February. The fatal incident happened in the southbound lanes of the Lehigh Tunnel along the Northeast Extension, where authorities say there was evidence of corrosion along the ceiling.

According to the NTSB's preliminary report, which was released Tuesday, the steel straps holding up electrical conduit were corroded, causing a section to fall and go through the windshield of the victim's truck on Feb. 21.

The falling conduit killed Howard Sexton III, 70, of Mickleton, N.J.

Sexton's truck continued for about a mile after the it was struck by the conduit. The truck then halted on the right shoulder, where Pennsylvania State Police found him deceased behind the wheel.

Evidence of corrosion was noted in a 2016 inspection of the tunnel, the NTSB said in its report.

At the time of the crash, the PA Turnpike was in the process of awarding a bid for replacement of the lighting systems in both Lehigh tubes. The estimated completion date for the new electrical system in the tunnel is October 2018.

According to Turnpike officials, the Lehigh Tunnel, like all Turnpike tunnels, are inspected biennially. The most recent inspection was done in September 2016.

The NTSB said it continues to work with the Federal Highway Administration, the PA Turnpike Commission, and the Pennsylvania State Police to collect and analyze data related to tunnel inspections and tunnel operations. "All aspects of the crash remain under investigation as the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes," the NTSB report said.

Image of truck at its final rest position via NTSB