Washington Township, Pennsylvania (August 25, 2025) — A serious collision between a van and a dump truck on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension left two people hospitalized early Monday morning, according to state police.
Incident Details: Troopers were dispatched just after 12:40 a.m. to the southbound lanes at mile marker 67.5 in Washington Township, Lehigh County. Investigators reported that a 2007 Peterbilt dump truck, driven by a 44-year-old Hellertown man working on a paving project, used the Exit 67 southbound gates as a turnaround when the crash occurred. As the truck exited, it struck the front passenger side of a 2022 Ram van. Authorities emphasized that the collision did not occur within an active construction zone. The van driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital after being removed from the vehicle. The dump truck driver was also taken to a hospital with injuries, though their condition was not immediately available.
Multiple specialized units, including Pennsylvania State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstructionist Specialists, Forensic Services, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, responded to assist at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Collisions involving construction vehicles on highways raise significant legal questions about safety protocols and liability. Although police confirmed this crash was not within an active construction zone, the dump truck was engaged in work related to a paving project. Key issues investigators may explore include whether adequate signage or warnings were in place, whether the truck driver followed required safety procedures when using the turnaround, and whether the construction company overseeing the project had implemented proper traffic control measures.
For the seriously injured van driver, the consequences may extend far beyond the immediate hospitalization. Serious injuries can involve broken bones, spinal trauma, or head injuries that lead to lasting complications, significant medical costs, and extended time away from work. From a civil perspective, the injured driver may have grounds to pursue claims against the dump truck driver and the construction contractor or other entities responsible for traffic safety at the work site. Liability in these cases often depends on a detailed examination of driver conduct, project oversight, and compliance with state and federal roadway safety regulations.
Because dump trucks are considered commercial vehicles, their operators and employers are held to heightened safety standards. If the driver was fatigued, improperly trained, or operated without proper clearance, responsibility may extend to the trucking company. Victims in such crashes may benefit from exploring personal injury actions to ensure full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
My thoughts are with the injured drivers and their families as they recover from this crash.
Source: Lehigh Valley Live