An overnight fire inside the Allegheny Tunnel shut down a stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and remains under investigation.
Hundreds of drivers were stranded for hours after flames were reported inside the tunnel around 9:30 Thursday night.
The incident forced the closure of the Turnpike between New Stanton and Breezewood.
About 150 people in nearly 80 vehicles were evacuated and taken by bus to a maintenance building while crews responded.
Drivers were allowed back to their vehicles around 2:45 Friday morning, and the roadway reopened shortly before 3:30.
Two-way traffic is using the eastbound tunnel.
Pennsylvania Turnpike spokeswoman Marissa Orbanek says the cause is still under investigation, and she also addresses reports of a medical emergency at the scene.
“Pennsylvania State Police has confirmed that the driver of the vehicle had experienced a medial emergency and was transported from the scene, by a medical helicopter for treatment, that medical emergency was not related to the fire,” said Orbanek.
The PA Turnpike Commission released the following statement:
On behalf of the PA Turnpike Commission, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of those who supported this event and worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of motorists and personnel, including the Pennsylvania State Police, local fire and EMS agencies, emergency management partners, and all supporting agencies. Special recognition goes to our dedicated PA Turnpike maintenance, operations, traffic management, engineering teams, who supported customers and emergency operations, and worked to restore normal operations. Lastly, a big thank you to our customers for their patience, cooperation and flexibility during the incident as crews worked to safely reopen the roadway.
The road has reopened with some restrictions
The road has reopened with some restrictions
