Truck driver killed, traffic diverted after crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike

A 47-year-old man died early Tuesday after his truck struck a concrete barrier and bridge pier, then burst into flames on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, shutting down the highway for hours between Bedford County and New Stanton, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The man, who authorities have not named, was driving an unloaded tri-axle truck around 2:40 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve in the turnpike near milepost 134.5 in Juniata Township, Bedford County, state police Corporal Richard Levan said.

The truck hit — and partially mounted — a concrete barrier, Levan said. The vehicle then continued traveling east until it struck the bridge pier and exploded into flames.

The truck overturned onto its driver’s side and came to rest blocking both of the roadway’s eastbound lanes, Levan said.

The man, who was the only person in the truck, was later found dead inside the vehicle, authorities said.

After the crash, authorities closed the Pennsylvania Turnpike between its New Stanton and Breezewood exits.

Part of the road closure was lifted at 8 a.m. at New Stanton, with the turnpike closed between Somerset and Breezewood, turnpike spokeswoman Marissa Orbanek told TribLive.

More than 550,000 people drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike daily, officials said.