NB Northeast Extension reopens after crash

LANSDALE, Pa. (WTXF) - The northbound lanes of the Northeast Extension have reopened, after a crash involving at least four tractor-trailers left the highway closed Tuesday morning. It happened at about 5:30am. A fuel spill and heavy damage to the trucks could have the road closed for several more hours.

FOX 29's Steve Keeley pointed out one truck that was carrying large equipment. Workers put straps over it to keep the truck from falling apart when it gets towed away.

He also reported there were injuries. The number of people hurt has not been released, but the Turnpike Commission says none are life-threatening.

FOX 29's Bob Kelly reports it happened about about 5:30am, in the dark, a half-mile north of that Lansdale exit. That's in the work zone for the widening project.

SKYFOX over the scene showed several trucks mangled up, including one hanging over the concrete barrier. Emergency vehicles are also at the scene.

Daylight revealed a diesel fuel spill, so this will take hours to clear. Keeley reported the area smells like an oil refinery.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Bob is warning to avoid getting onto the Northeast Extension from the Mid-County Interchange because there is bumper-to-bumper northbound traffic for miles, all the way up to Lansdale. Route 309 may be your only northbound option.

To get there, take Route 63 east to Route 202 north, to Route 309 north. Then, at Route 663 south, you can reenter at the Quakertown Interchange.

Southbound traffic from Quakertown is getting by.

DEVELOPING NEWS: Stay with FOX 29's Good Day Philadelphia and Fox29.com for updates as we get more information.