News: Driver injured in fiery big rig crash on I-76 near Hempfield Township

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — A 56-year-old man was hospitalized Sunday after a big rig crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike in Hempfield Township, reports TribLIVE.

The collision occurred on the westbound lanes (Interstate 76) near milepost 69, between the Irwin and New Stanton interchanges. Pennsylvania State Troopers responded to the scene shortly after 1:30 p.m.

According to officials, the tractor-trailer, which was carrying mail, was traveling westbound when it veered off the roadway, struck a barrier, and then made contact with a pier supporting the Eisaman Road overpass. Moments after, the big rig’s engine area and cab erupted into flames. A Good Samaritan stopped and helped the driver of the rig to escape before the vehicle became fully engulfed.

First responders transported the victim, a North Braddock resident, to a local hospital with injuries considered non-life-threatening.

At this time, PSP has not indicated whether any of the mail or the overpass pier sustained damage.

The cause of the wreck remains unclear.

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