2 Dead In Fiery Crash On PA Turnpike In Montco: Reports

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — At least two people were killed and another person was injured Saturday in a fiery crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, according to reports citing Pennsylvania State Police. An 11-mile stretch of the interstate remained closed for much of the day following the crash.

The crash involving multiple cars and a tanker truck hauling jet fuel happened late Saturday morning on the Northeast Extension between the Lansdale and Mid-County exits, ABC6 reported. The tanker truck caught fire in the crash, but has since been extinguished, reports said.

Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the fatalities and injuries to CBS Philadelphia.

Video shared on social media following the crash showed debris scattered across the interstate and large flames engulfing the tanker trucks and nearby cars. A news helicopter crew from ABC6 reported seeing the charred remains of the truck and two cars.

Both the north and southbound lanes between Exit 20 and Exit 31 were closed as of 5 p.m., according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's website. They were reopened before midnight Saturday.

Anyone stopped in traffic on the turnpike should stay in their cars, according to transportation officials, who said crews were en route to remove the center barrier to u-turn motorists.

The crash also prompted a brief evacuation for residents living on two nearby roads, CBS Philadelphia reported. Residents have since been allowed to return home, the report said.

Drivers should avoid the area; however, multiple detours are in place, according to PennDOT.

Southbound traffic should use the following detour, according to transportation officials:

• Take Route 63 East (Sumneytown Pike): 0.2 miles
• Turn left onto Forty Foot Road to continue on Route 63 East: 1.7 miles
• Turn right onto Welsh Road to continue on Route 63 East: 6.5 miles
• Turn right onto Route 309 South: 5.4 miles
• Re-enter Turnpike (I-276) at Fort Washington Exit 339

Northbound traffic should use the following detour:

• Take I-276 East: 5.1 miles
• Take Route 209 North: 5.4 miles
• Take Route 63 West: 6.5 miles
• Take Forty Fort Road to continue on Route 63 West: 1.7 miles
• Take Sumneytown Pike to continue on Route 63 West: 0.2 miles
• Re-enter Turnpike (I-476) at Lansdale Exit 31

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.