A chaotic scene unfolded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike late Thursday evening after a vehicle fire inside the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel forced the evacuation of roughly 150 people and shut down a major stretch of the interstate overnight.
According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the incident began shortly before 9:20 p.m. inside the historic twin-bore tunnel located in Somerset County. Fearing the spread of toxic smoke and potential entrapment inside the 6,070-foot-long tunnel, officials ordered an immediate evacuation.
Approximately 150 people were forced to abandon nearly 80 vehicles inside and directly outside the tunnel entrance. Stranded motorists were quickly rounded up and transported by bus to nearby Pa. Turnpike maintenance sheds to seek shelter while crews battled the flames.
“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,” officials said in a statement Friday morning.
The emergency response forced state police to shut down the Turnpike in both directions over a massive 86-mile stretch, spanning from the Breezewood exit (Exit 161) all the way to the New Stanton exit (Exit 75).
Drivers faced hours of uncertainty before the situation was brought under control. Evacuated motorists were finally permitted to return to their vehicles at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Friday, once the air quality and fire hazards were resolved Residents and the road reopened around 3:20 a.m.
The Turnpike Commission is urging all drivers approaching the Allegheny Mountain area to exercise extreme caution, obey all newly posted signs, and expect significant morning delays.
