A woman from Pennsylvania was killed along Interstate 78 in northern Berks County Saturday afternoon.
According to information provided by PA State Police in Hamburg, the crash happened at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
Police have only identified the woman as 53 years old and being from Pennsylvania. The crash happened at approximately Mile Marker 17.7 on the westbound side of I-78 in Bethel Township.
Police say the woman was driving a Ford Taurus and in the left lane going west. Traffic ahead of her began to slow to a stop because of another crash on the highway, near Mile Marker 16.3.
At the same time as the woman in the Taurus was in the left lane, a tractor-trailer driver from Arizona, 52-year-old Hector Lopez was stopped in the right lane, as traffic had backed up more than a mile from that crash ahead of him. (*Corrected from a previous version.)
That’s when the woman in the left lane tried getting in the right lane and crashed into the back of Lopez’ attached trailer.
The Berks County Coroner pronounced the woman dead at the scene of the crash. Lopez escaped the incident without injury.
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Rob
November 14, 2020 at 8:20 pm
I feel great remorse for the loss of this un-named woman but also share deep sadness with how the truck driver must feel. As a truck driver myself and having to travel both ways on 78 daily I know how dangerous that road is for everyone. Please be extra out there in any lane of that highway, everyone! If you see aggressive drivers get off the highway away from them is the best thing you can do. Let them get several minutes (10+) ahead of you. Stop for a snack at a gas station or something.
Another Friendly Driver
November 14, 2020 at 9:56 pm
I was here and this is misleading! The driver was already stopped behind me!!! We’ve been sitting there for a good minute before she came barreling up the highway and smacking into the back of his trailer. Traffic in the right lane was completely stopped. Left lane was slowly moving so it makes no sense why she swerved into the right lane. Still, regardless, this is a very tragic day for everyone and sending condolences to the women’s family.
Canary Commenter
November 14, 2020 at 11:19 pm
We’re really going by what the police reported today. And agreed, it’s a definite tragedy.
Rev Harry Powell
November 14, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Unfortunately speed limit signage means nothing. By observing the speed limit you will get tailed, passed on double yellow, 70% of the time. I realize the police cant be everywhere at once, but it is totally out of control.
Edward B Connolly
November 15, 2020 at 12:03 am
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.