It began when a 2014 Honda Pilot struck the rear of a PepsiCo. tractor-trailer while changing lanes without enough clearance on I-95 North in Chester City, Delaware County, just before 6 a.m. on Nov. 20, troopers detailed.
When troopers arrived, they found the tractor-trailer on fire and the Honda Pilot abandoned. The PepsiCo. driver lost control of his vehicle due to the crash and slammed into the concrete barrier between the north and southbound lanes, PSP explained in a release.
The barrier between the north- and southbound lanes was "completely destroyed" by the tractor-trailer and concrete chunks were thrown across the roadway, authorities said.
The PepsiCo. driver suffered minor injuries and was taken by EMS to Crozer Hospital, according to the state police release.
The man who fled the Honda Pilot has since turned himself in and has been charged, as noted in the police release.
After the first crash caused stand-still traffic, a driver of a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz made an illegal U-turn and began traveling south in the northbound lane at mile marker 5.4, troopers explained.
This caused a second multi-vehicle wreck, involving a 2021 Toyota Rav4, and a 2007 Jeep Cherokee — both drivers were from Gloucester County, New Jersey, according to troopers.
The car that caused the wreck was disabled so the wrong-way driver of the Hyundai Santa Cruz decided to flee on foot too, but they have yet to be captured, state police said.
No injuries were reported in the second crash.
The crashes shuttered all lanes in both directions near Upland Borough, between PA-320/Exit 6 and I-476/Exit 7, but the area reopened around 1 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Police Media are continuing to investigate both crashes and are searching for the driver of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact PSP.
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