| On Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 18:46, the Westwood Fire Company and Westwood EMS paramedics were dispatched to the eastbound Route 30 Bypass near mile marker 270.3 for a reported automobile accident. Within a minute, Rescue 44, Intermediate 44-1, and Medic 44-1 were all responding.
Additional 9‑1‑1 callers reported a serious collision involving a tractor‑trailer and a construction vehicle, prompting the assignment of additional transport and paramedic units from Westwood and mutual aid EMS.
Battalion Chief Sly arrived first and established the Route 30 Bypass Command, reporting multiple patients, confirmed entrapment, and a tractor‑trailer over an embankment. He also reported an active fuel leak from all vehicles located down the embankment, increasing the hazards facing first responders. Due to the severity of the incident, hazardous materials mitigation resources were requested, and fire police from multiple agencies were dispatched to shut down the bypass in both directions between Business Route 30 and Route 82.
Rescue crews and EMS personnel from Westwood deployed rope and rescue equipment to access the tractor‑trailer and began searching for unaccounted‑for victims. Fire and EMS personnel extricated the tractor‑trailer driver and located two victims who had sustained critical injuries.
Following the tractor trailer victim extrication, responders encountered an active fire under the cab of the tractor‑trailer. Firefighters from Westwood and Keystone Valley quickly deployed a fire extinguisher and a hose line to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread, especially given the ongoing fuel leak.
The Pennsylvania State Police arrived and established a unified command with Westwood resources. All investigative inquiries should be directed to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Fling's Towing and Null’s Towing made an emergency response to assist with the incident. Due to the size of the vehicles and the dynamics of where they came to rest, heavy wreckers were required to stabilize the apparatus so responders could safely access the second victim. Once stabilization was complete, Westwood rescue personnel utilized a stokes basket to remove the victim from the embankment.
Unfortunately, despite lifesaving efforts, two victims succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Paramedics also provided medical care to two construction workers who sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder to all motorists to remain alert, reduce speed, and exercise extreme caution when traveling through construction zones and near emergency scenes. We respectfully ask the community to keep the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this incident in their thoughts during this difficult time. |
