YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Three construction workers are dead and a major highway was closed for hours after a box truck crash in York County.
The overnight crash occurred just before 3:30 a.m. on April 17 on Interstate 83 in Fairview Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities said a box truck collided with a construction vehicle in an active work zone, and the box truck continued onto the shoulder where it struck three construction workers, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as Jesse McKenzie, 24, from Somerset, Robert Hampe, 42, from Meyersdale and Philson Hinebaugh III, 24, from Johnstown, according to the York County Coroner's Office. All three men died of multiple blunt-force traumas. Their manners of death were ruled accidental.
All lanes of I-83 southbound were closed between Exit 36: PA 262 - Fishing Creek and Exit 35: PA 177 - Lewisberry for hours on Wednesday morning. The road reopened around 11:50 a.m.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) spokesman Dave Thompson said they worked for an agency contractor.
“Right now we're just gathering information,” Thompson said. “We're obviously very shaken by this event.”
The crew was sealing highway cracks at the time, Thompson said.
A Transportation Department news release issued a week ago said the overnight work involved lane closures and was being performed by CriLon Corp. of Somerset.
CriLon Corp released the following statement:
"The CriLon Corp family has been devastated by the tragedy that claimed the lives of three of our dedicated employees in the early morning hours of April 17.
We ask that everyone lift the families of the victims up with their thoughts and prayers in this time of need. The loss of these hardworking young men will be felt forever by the families, CriLon Corp, and the entire community. As a small, tight-knit company, this magnitude of loss is unfathomable. Words simply cannot express our feelings as we mourn the loss of our fallen coworkers.
We thank the Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, and all first responders for their rapid response and support at this incredibly difficult time. Their professionalism and thoughtfulness were unparalleled. We would also like to thank our fellow highway contractors for their support and offers of assistance in this tragic moment.
This tragedy re-emphasizes the need for the motoring public to be extra vigilant, avoid distracted driving and obey all posted signs at highway construction sites."