Updated March 30, 2022
Final totals for this MCI
75 transported
24 hospitalized
6 went to God
80 Vehicles in Total
39 commercial vehicles
41 passenger vehicles
The Interstate is now open March 30, 2022 9:00 a.m. after 2 days.


Update March 29, 2022 20:00 Eastern
Interstate 81 is expected to reopen in the morning and that may be delayed due to a pending ice storm.

1) Numerous vehicles remained on the roadway
2) Some vehicles were mostly burned and others melted onto the highway
3) Authorities needed to go through each vehicle to make sure there are no human remains as they have discovered several victims during the cleanup process
4) Trooper David Beohm of the Pennsylvania State Police stated “after the highway was cleared, PennDot will need to check the highway to determine the amount of repairs that will be needed before the highway is reopened.”
5) Some tractor-trailers no longer had their tractor due to the fire.
6) Once the road is cleared Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews will need to remove a layer of the road surface due to fuel and oil from being embedded in the roadway stated PennDOT spokesperson Ronald Young said Tuesday afternoon.

10:30 hrs. A Mass Casualty Incident was issued for a Multi-vehicle accident on Route 81 Northbound at Exit 116 (Route 901). Over 60 vehicles are involved with some catching fire while others were leaking hazardous material including LP gas from a Recreation vehicle, plus a truck carrying over 200 acetylene and one Pennsylvania State Police vehicle were involved in this incident. This necessitated closing the interstate in both directions from Hegins to Frackville for safety reasons.
Over a two dozen people were transported via medivac and ground to regional hospitals, according to the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management. 1st Responders from multiple counties responded to this incident.
John Blickley, (Deputy emergency management coordinator) for Schuylkill County, stated officials believe a snow squall clouded played a large part in this accident due to reduced visibility. “Three tractor trailers carrying unknown cargo were on fire upon arrival of 1st in units arrival. Smaller fires broke out in other vehicles as well but all had been brought under control, he said.
A warming bus was brought to the scene to assist in transport the walking wounded motorists involved in the crash to a warming center set up by the local Red Cross, where family members can connect with them. A rehabilitation unit was setup on scene for all involved.
During the 4 hour extrication process the National Weather Service issued warned of “numerous brief heavy snow squalls with very poor visibility.”
The interstate is expected to be closed until the tomorrow morning for cleanup and crash investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.

The American Red Cross is responded to provide resources and assistance to affected motorists involved or affected by the multi-vehicle pileup that took place on Interstate 81 near Mile Marker 116.
Red Cross Disaster Action Team members, in coordination with local officials and emergency responders will establish a reception center and provide a safe and warm central hub for motorists and their families to receive information, blankets, food, and drink.
Victims of the crash are being reunited at the Minersville Fire Station.

Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance should call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select option #4 for Disaster Relief.




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