Tractor-trailer rig carrying oranges overturns near New Stanton exit of turnpike, snarls traffic for hours

Traffic along the westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, just east of the New Stanton exit, was tied up for several hours early Saturday as a result of an overturned tractor-trailer.

No injuries were reported in the crash that happened at about 11:40 p.m. Friday.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Jerry Lucia said guardrail struck during the wreck was strewn about the highway and pierced the rig’s trailer, which was carrying oranges. The entire perishable shipment was lost because it was considered contaminated, he said.

Traffic was reduced to one lane in that section of the toll road as firefighters cleaned up the debris and fuel that leaked from the truck.

Firefighters remained on the scene for about four hours, until the westbound lanes were fully reopened, Lucia said.