Tragic Accident Claims the Lives of Five Family Members on Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania

SCRANTON, Pa. - A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday evening on Interstate 81 in snowy northeastern Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. According to state police, the incident took place in Lackawanna County at approximately 5:30 p.m. after a minivan lost control and collided with a median on the northbound interstate. In a shocking turn of events, four passengers from the minivan and an additional person from a separate car exited their vehicles before being struck by a passing tractor-trailer.

The victims, all believed to be family members, were tragically killed in the collision. County Coroner Timothy Rowland, who arrived at the scene alongside several fire departments and state police, confirmed that all five individuals were from New York state. However, further details about the victims have not yet been released.

The incident occurred during a winter weather advisory that had been in effect until 4 p.m. that day. The National Weather Service had warned of hazardous road conditions due to freezing temperatures, with several inches of snow tapering off in the afternoon. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had advised motorists to exercise caution while driving.

Janet Pohoda, a trucker who traveled the same route hours later, recounted the treacherous conditions she encountered. Pohoda emphasized the importance of staying off the roads until they were cleared and in better condition. She expressed her condolences to the affected families and urged drivers to prioritize safety when faced with unsafe weather conditions.

Following the tragic accident, the section of the highway where the collision occurred was closed for several hours. State police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident, seeking to determine the cause of the initial crash and the factors that led to the fatal collision.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of these five individuals, who were believed to be members of the same family. The devastating impact of this accident serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution and adhering to safety guidelines, particularly during inclement weather conditions.