Horrific traffic accident kills at least three people, creates war zone on Pennsylvania highway

Dozens of vehicles including several trucks were involved in a horrific traffic accident on a snowy highway in Pennsylvania.

A massive pileup on a snowy stretch of highway Monday left at least three people dead in the United States and almost resembled something out of a war — with explosions, flames and drivers standing on the road fleeing more skidding cars.

Black clouds of smoke and the sound of explosions filled the sky after the massive, deadly crash involving up to 50 vehicles, including more than five trucks, on the rural section of Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania around 11am, the New York Post reported.

At least three people died in the pileup, according to local WKOK radio.

The horrific scene unfolded amid a dangerous mix of snow and fog that left drivers with virtually no visibility, and the crash closed down all lanes between three exits of the highway, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said on Twitter.

Up to 50 vehicles were involved in the crash. Pennsylvania. Picture: WGAL8

Three lanes of highway had to be closed. Pennsylvania. Picture: WGAL8

Mike Moye, who was driving on the highway, went live on Facebook at the scene after he was involved in the crash.

“This is ridiculous. … It’s snow and fog mixed together, and it made the visibility down to zero,” he is heard saying on the footage.

“S–t’s on fire. … I need to get the f–king off the road. Damn, this is crazy.”

Footage shows a truck and a car slamming into those already stopped on the road. Mr Moye’s car is seen rolling away after another car crashes into it.

Footage of the accident scene shows trucks and cars slamming other vehicles. Source: Mike Moye/CBS3/Facebook

A driver getting out of a car was almost hit by another vehicle.

Mr Moye’s footage also shows an elderly person with a cane standing on the side of the road in the blizzard.

The footage included at least one truck on fire.

Crash on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County. Pennsylvania. Picture: WGAL8

It’s unclear how the crash began. Picture: Schuylkill County Emergency Response

It is unclear how the crash began. Images of first responders at the scene were posted on social media.

Fire crews were still working to put out the blaze caused by the pileup as of 2:30pm Monday, according to local news outlet Skook News, which also said the county coroner had been called to the scene.

Crash on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County. Pennsylvania. Picture: WGAL8

This story first appeared in the New York Post and has been reproduced with permission