Man Killed By Falling Debris In PA Turnpike Tunnel

A Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnel where a driver was killed by falling debris Wednesday evening reopened the following day, after needed repairs were made and it was deemed safe for travel, authorities announced Thursday.

Howard Sexton III, 70, of Mickleton, N.J. was killed after an electrical beam collapsed inside the Lehigh Tunnel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension. The incident happened in southbound lanes of the Lehigh Tunnel around 6 p.m., according to information from Pennsylvania State Police.

Sexton was driving a tractor trailer in the tunnel when a piece of electrical conduit from the tunnel ceiling crashed through his windshield, hitting him in the head, State Police said.

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.

Sexton's truck continued for about a mile after the impact, before stopping on the right shoulder, police said. Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police arrived on the scene and found him deceased behind the wheel.

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.

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