Trucks are an important part of the U.S. economy. Each day tractor-trailers filled with a variety of goods across the country including the state of Pennsylvania. Few people passing these trucks as they travel on highways and interstates think about the disastrous outcome a truck accident can result in.

Earlier this week a truck accident on Interstate 81 resulted in the death of the driver as well as his dog. At the time of the accident, the truck was transporting rolls of paper. The Silver Spring Township accident occurred around 4 p.m. when the tractor-trailer reportedly left the road, hit several trees and rolled, trapping the driver inside the cab. The crash launched the rolls of paper out of the trailer and caused the truck to catch fire. The driver died at the scene.

The accident caused lanes headed south to be closed from Exit 52 to Exit 57 while the scene was attended to. Crews from New Kingstown, Lisburn, Hampden, Camp Hill, West Shore, Citizens, Carlisle, Silver Spring and Summerdale reported to the accident. Though the crash occurred around 4 p.m., it was not completely cleared for about 7 hours. One of the lanes was opened at 5:30 p.m.

As is the case in any motor vehicle accident there is a variety of potential causes. Potential factors include equipment failures such as brake failure, negligence including overloading, and mistakes made by the driver such as those due to fatigue. The cause of this trucking accident is currently unknown. Accordingly, it is under investigation.

Source: The Sentinel, “Canadian truck driver and his dog die in Monday’s I-81 crash,” Sept. 19, 2011