Multiple crashes cause major delays on I-81 in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA — Several crashes on Interstate 81 southbound in Lebanon County caused significant traffic delays Tuesday morning.

All three incidents occurred within the same hour, leading to backups stretching for miles.

The first crash was reported around 7:40 a.m. near Exit 80, at Route 743 (Grantville/Hershey).

The collision blocked the interstate, bringing traffic to a near standstill. Digital signs warned drivers with messages like “Traffic stopped ahead” and “Be prepared to stop.”

A second crash occurred just before 8 a.m. near Exit 90 at Route 72 in Swatara Township. This wreck blocked one lane and added to the growing congestion.

Shortly after, around 8:10 a.m., a tractor-trailer left the highway and ended up in the grassy median a few miles back from the first crash.

This incident happened in the traffic backlog from the earlier wreck. A tow truck later removed the vehicle from the median.

Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the crashes. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.