Two flown from Altamont truck crash; boulevard closed

ALTAMONT – Two people were flown to regional trauma centers and a road will be closed until further notice after a tractor trailer crash here Sunday afternoon.

First responders from across northern Schuylkill County were called to the area of Altamont Boulevard and Industrial Road for the crash around 2:30pm.

Early reports indicated a tractor trailer travelling on Interstate 81 crashed, descending between the overpasses over Altamont Boulevard, crashing to the roadway below.

Two people were rescued from the truck and taken to Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Field to awaiting medical helicopters.

The truck struck utility wires along the way down with such force to shear the next two poles each way from the accident.

Tiffany Kakol was at work at the Econo Lodge in Frackville when she heard the noise of the crash, and said the motel shook.

She said the motel initially lost power, until a backup generator kicked in. The motel lost internet service, though.

Internet services were also reported out in the Saint Clair area.

Altamont Boulevard between Industrial Road and Mall Road remains closed as of 4:15pm and will remain so until crews remove the truck’s wreckage and repair the downed utility poles.

Commuters headed into the Frackville Industrial Park can access the park via Frackville, using Altamont Boulevard, Morea Road, or Line Street. Those headed to the State Correctional Institution at Frackville can still access the prison via Mall Road.

State Police at Frackville are investigating.

Responding to the scene were firefighters from Altamont, William Penn, Frackville, and Englewood, medical personnel from Shenandoah, Frackville, and Schuylkill EMS, and police from Frackville, West Mahanoy Township, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, and Mahanoy Township.

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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