In a devastating accident on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County, northeastern Pennsylvania, five individuals were tragically struck and killed by a tractor trailer on Tuesday evening, Pennsylvania state police revealed. The incident occurred after the victims had exited their vehicles following another crash caused by a minivan losing control and hitting a median.

The initial collision took place around 5:30 p.m., when the minivan traveling northbound on Interstate 81 in snowy conditions skidded out of control, crashing into the median. Subsequently, four individuals from the van and one person from another vehicle, who had been following closely, left their vehicles on foot. Tragically, they were all hit by a passing tractor trailer, resulting in their untimely deaths.

Emergency response teams, including the county coroner, multiple fire departments, and state police, immediately arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance. According to County Coroner Timothy Rowland, all five victims were identified as residents of New York state.

At the time of the accident, a winter weather advisory was in effect until 4 p.m. that day for the region, warning of hazardous road conditions due to several inches of snowfall. The National Weather Service had cautioned motorists about the freezing temperatures and urged them to exercise caution while on the roads. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also advised drivers to be careful.

Remarkably, hours later, Janet Pohoda, a truck driver who traveled the same route, emphasized the dangerous road conditions caused by the snow. Pohoda urged motorists to refrain from traveling until the roads had been adequately cleared and improved. She expressed her sadness about the tragic incident, emphasizing the importance of safety during inclement weather.

As investigations into the accident continue, the community mourns the loss of five lives, reminding everyone of the crucial importance of exercising caution and utilizing appropriate safety measures when navigating snowy roadways.