Photo: mirror-images / iStock / Getty Images
A tractor-trailer hauling 40,000 pounds of milk overturned on Interstate 81 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania early Tuesday (February 11), causing a major spill and closing the highway for approximately eight hours.
The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes near mile marker 78.5 in East Hanover Township, just north of Exit 77 (Route 39/Manada Hill/Hershey), according to PennDOT officials. The 18-wheeler overturned, spilling its entire load of milk across the interstate.
Emergency crews, including a hazardous materials team, responded to the scene to manage the cleanup operation. The driver of the tractor-trailer was transported to a local hospital, though the extent of their injuries remains unknown.
The northbound lanes of I-81 were completely shut down between Exit 77 (Route 39/Manada Hill/Hershey) and Exit 80 (Route 743/Grantville/Hershey) while crews worked to clear the scene. The closure caused significant traffic backups extending as far south as mile marker 72, with additional congestion in the southbound lanes due to rubbernecking.
After an extensive cleanup effort, the interstate finally reopened around 11:30 a.m., approximately eight hours after the initial crash.
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the cause of the accident, which has not yet been determined.