The Lehigh Tunnel in Lehigh County. Photo credit: Google Maps
Multiple news outlets, including 6ABC.com, report that Howard Sexton, 70, of Mickleton New Jersey, was killed Wednesday night when his big rig was struck by falling electrical conduit in the Lehigh Tunnel in Lehigh County.
The errant conduit pierced the windshield of the southbound tractor trailer that Sexton was driving. The falling conduit was also responsible for less minor accidents.
According to Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim, Sexton was proceeding south on the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at approximately 6:00 PM Wednesday when the tragedy occurred. The coroner says that Sexton appeared to have died as soon as the metal conduit struck.
Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo states that an inspection of the remaining conduit and an investigation into what happened is ongoing. He further stated that the 4,500 foot long southbound bore of the Lehigh Tunnel is the only section with electrical conduit directly overhead. The most recent inspection occurred in September, 2016.
We will have more information on this accident as it develops.
