Hazleton, PA : Man injured in I-81 crash in Butler Township on Tuesday morning, September 27, 2016

Firefighters had to free a man from his vehicle after a crash Tuesday morning on Interstate 81 in Butler Township.

Valley Regional Deputy Chief Marty James said though he was unsure of the circumstances, a box truck crashed into the back of a flatbed tractor-trailer in the northbound lanes of the interstate. Moments before impact, he said, the box truck driver jumped out of the driver’s seat and onto the passenger side, saving him from more serious injuries.

The crash happened near the junction with Interstate 80 at mile marker 150 around 8:15 a.m.

Both vehicles went onto the roadside by guard rails after impact.

The roof of the box truck had to be cut open by firefighters to access the injured driver, James said. Rescuers also had to push back the dashboard to free the man, who was conscious and later taken by ambulance to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. He sustained what appeared to be moderate injuries, James said.

Firefighters had to stand on the flatbed to access the crash victim, according to James, due to the location of the crash.

The driver of the flatbed was able to get out on his own and wasn’t injured, James said.

State police at Hazleton and Hazle Township Fire and Rescue also responded.

Troopers had traffic restricted to one lane in the area until first responders left around 9:30 a.m.

Source :
Man injured in I-81 crash