BETHEL TWP., Pa. – A fatal hit-and-run accident shut down I-78 in northern Berks County late Friday morning.
It happened just before 11:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes past Exit #13 for Bethel.
Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) say a tractor trailer was stopped on the eastbound shoulder when the driver got out to adjust the straps on the truck’s flatbed trailer.
While outside his truck, the driver was struck by another vehicle travelling in the right lane, which authorities believe may have also been a tractor trailer.
PSP officials say the striking vehicle did not stop. Police believe it to be white in color with moderate to heavy passenger side damage and a missing side mirror.
The coroner’s office was called to the scene a short time later.
I-78 was closed eastbound between exits #13 and #15 but has since reopened.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call PSP Hamburg Barracks at 610-562-6885.