A Wilkes-Barre man died after his car struck the back of a truck and rolled several times on Interstate 81 in Ryan Township, according to State Police.
Leonard Petrilli, 70, was driving a 2019 Audi S4 north on I-81 near mile marker 124.9 shortly before 1 p.m. Oct. 28 when the crash happened, police say.
Petrilli was in the left passing lane and trying to pass a 2020 Freightliner M2 truck in the right lane when, for an unknown reason, the Audi left its lane and crossed into the right lane, State Police said. The car hit the rear of the truck and became caught on it before breaking loose.
Petrilli lost control, and the Audi rolled several times before coming to rest in the left lane. He was thrown from the car, police said.
Petrilli was flown to Geisinger Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. State Police listed no safety equipment as being used by Petrilli.
The truck came to rest off the left shoulder ahead of the Audi. Its driver, a 32-year-old Bethlehem man, was wearing a lap and shoulder belt and was not hurt, police said.
Frackville Fire Department, Ryan Township Fire Department, Frackville Community Ambulance, Shenandoah EMS, Mark Hammers Towing, and the State Police Troop L collision reconstruction and forensic units assisted at the scene.
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