Wednesday – the third consecutive day of rain following an exceptionally dry season – was a dangerous, foggy day to drive.
Emergency responders attended to numerous motor vehicle accidents throughout Lebanon County, catalogued by the Department of Emergency Services.
Three were on Interstate 81, which led to parts of the roadway being closed for several hours for cleanup, PennDOT employee Fritzi Schreffler reported to LebTown.
Yesterday, Schreffler said the area was foggy with rain, and the causes of the accidents were unclear.
Accidents yesterday, as reported by the DES, included:
- 1:51 a.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of North 5th Avenue and Weidman Street, Lebanon.
- 10:16 a.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries at 9350 I-81N, Swatara Township.
- 10:23 a.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries and rollover at 9590 I-81S, Bethel Township.
- 10:34 a.m., motor vehicle accident without injuries at 8900 I-81N, Union Township.
- 2:47 p.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries at 276 I-78W, Swatara Township.
- 3:05 p.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of East Kercher Avenue and North 7th Street, North Lebanon Township.
- 5:02 p.m., motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Heidelberg Avenue and Meadow Lane, Heidelberg Township.
In the earliest crash of the day, a driver collided with another vehicle after fleeing from a police officer, who had attempted to stop the vehicle for traffic and equipment violations.
Read More: High-speed chase ends in crash in Lebanon city; one resident injured
In addition, responders attended to fallen trees (some on roadways, some on wires) in Lebanon, Cornwall Borough, and Swatara, North Londonderry, Union, and West Cornwall townships.
Anyone who sees a fallen tree or utility pole that poses a safety risk should call 911.
Police encourage anyone who needs to drive in rain and fog to drive more slowly than usual and turn on the low beams. Be wary of potential hydroplaning, particularly around corners or while braking.
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