Five dead, 60 injured in major US crash

The fatal crash happened about 3:40 am along the Pennsylvania Turnpike and involved a tour bus, three trailer trucks and another vehicle.

Reports are that the tour bus was travelling on a downhill curve when it struck an embankment before colliding with two UPS trucks and a FedEx truck, as well as a passenger vehicle.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be released, while those injured are receiving treatment at three hospitals nearby.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated, however, it is said that the road surface was wet due to snow.

The corridor along which the crash took place remains closed to vehicular traffic and will remain so for a “prolonged” period, the Pennsylvania Turnpike advises from his official Twitter account.

ATTN: Due to multi-vehicle crash with fatalities at MP86, the @PA_Turnpike continues to be closed Eastbound New Stanton(#75) to Donegal(#91), and Westbound Breezewood(#161) to New Stanton(#75). Closures expected to be prolonged. Please consider other routes until further notice.

— Pennsylvania Turnpike (@PA_Turnpike) January 5, 2020

Westmoreland County Coroner Ken Bacha confirmed to the Tribune-Review that five people have died in the accident, while turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo tweeted that “about 60 people” were injured and transported to hospitals.

Crews are on scene of a multi-vehicle crash with fatalities on @PA_Turnpike, milepost 86 westbound. Crash involves 2 tractor trailers, a tour bus and passenger vehicles. Turnpike is closed in both directions from New Stanton (#75) to Breezewood (#161). A prolonged closure likely.

— Carl DeFebo (@cdefebo) January 5, 2020