Driver dead, Pennsylvania Turnpike shut down after truck crashes into ravine near Plum

PLUM, Pa. — At least one person was killed when a tractor-trailer crashed on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency officials said it happened at around 1:30 p.m. A tractor trailer went through a guardrail and over a 25 foot embankment before landing in a ravine. The driver was killed and trapped inside the truck.

A passenger was able to get out of the truck and get to a nearby business to call for help. That person was taken to Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. Their condition was not immediately known.

Officials said a hazmat situation was declared at the crash scene. The truck was hauling liquid nitrogen in a tanker trailer.

The eastbound lanes are closed from the Harmarville exit to Monroeville and officials expect the closure to last well into the evening.

Due to the severity of the crash, an eastbound detour was put in place at Exit 48. Detour: Freeport Road to PA-910 West to PA-28 South to I-579 South to I-376 East to re-enter the Turnpike at the Pittsburgh Interchange.

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