Multiple lanes of Interstate 70 were closed this past Saturday morning when two accidents occurred in Westmoreland County. In total, as a result of the incident, three lanes were blocked for approximately five hours. Both accidents involved tractor-trailers. One of them was a tractor-trailer jackknife accident.

The first accident occurred just before midnight Friday night close to I-70’s exit to Smithton. A tractor-trailer and car collided in the westbound lane. This accident resulted in injuries to one person and the closure of three of the westbound lanes.

The second accident happened sometime before 6:30 a.m. Saturday. In this one, the driver of a tractor-trailer car carrier lost control while heading eastbound on the interstate near the North Belle Vernon exit. It ended up on its side after leaving the road, hitting an earthen embankment and jack-knifing. In this position the truck not only blocked three eastbound lanes, but also a westbound lane as well.

The driver in the second accident was hurt. As a result, he was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital. His injuries were reportedly minor.

In any accidents there are multiple potential causes. The behavior of the driver is one of the most common reasons an accident occurs. Sometimes the weather plays a role as well.

Though winter weather left many Pennsylvania roads dangerously slippery, police are pointing to another cause of the second accident. According to state police at Belle Vernon, the driver of the tractor-trailer car carrier was driving too fast for the condition of the road.

No additional information is available regarding the accident on Friday.

Source: Tribune-Review, “Accidents close three lanes of I-70 for five hours,” Jan.22, 2012