LEHIGH COUNTY, PA – A tractor trailer carrying a load of frozen chicken rolled onto its side on a busy interstate highway Tuesday evening.
A tractor trailer traveling east on Interstate 78 in Upper Macungie Township tipped onto its side around 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31 just east of the Route 100 interchange. The Pennsylvania State Police were originally dispatched for the non-injury accident.
Troopers arrived on scene to find the tractor trailer lying across two lanes of the three lane highway. Fire police were requested from Upper Macungie Township Stations 8 (Fogelsville) and 56 (Upper Macungie). Fire police were directed to close the on-ramps to the interstate along with directing traffic around the accident.
A short time later Engine 811 and Engine 5611 were dispatched to the scene to assist with a spill and hazard control. Firefighters arrived to find a ruptured saddle tank which was quickly contained.
The driver of the rig was not injured in the accident. His load consisted of 36,000 pounds of frozen chicken. Command requested a representative from the Department of Agriculture be contacted to inspect the product.
The interstate was narrowed to a single lane for hours as the truck was put back onto all wheels and traffic could be seen backed up for miles.
