Fully Loaded Diesel Fuel Tanker Overturned on Ramp Over I-81 Last Week
Senator Casey Worked to Secure Quick Release of $2 Million in Aid to Repair Damages
NTSB Investigation Could Provide More Details on Accident
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has written a letter to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) calling for an investigation into last week’s crash near Interstate 81 in which a full loaded diesel fuel tanker overturned at the interchange of I-81 and Route 22/322. When the accident happened, Senator Casey worked to quickly secure $2 million in repair aid from the Department of Transportation. An NTSB investigation could provide more details on the accident and could lay out steps that increase road safety in the region.
“Interstate 81 is a key part of Pennsylvania’s economy and it’s critical to find all the answers about last week’s crash.” Senator Casey said. “An investigation by the NTSB could help increase awareness about risks along I-81 and provide more details on how this accident occurred.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:
May 20, 2013
Dear Chairman Hersman,
I write to formally request that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) commission an investigation into the fuel tanker crash at the interchange of Interstate-81 and Route 22/322 near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that occurred on May 9th. This crash paralyzed traffic in the region and forced portions of Interstate- 81 to be closed for several days and destroyed an overpass. The crash impacted thousands of travelers and affected the regional economy. Moreover, this accident caused over 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel to be spilled into wetlands near the crash site and harmed wildlife and ecosystems.
I believe an investigation is necessary so we can work to make sure accidents like this do not occur in the future. It is also imperative that we have a full investigation so we can identify safety issues that may have been a factor in this crash and take the appropriate steps to mitigate risks and prevent future accidents. This crash has resulted in millions of dollars in damages to the infrastructure in the area. We need to make sure we take all reasonable actions to prevent instances like this in the future.
I am ready to work with NTSB to conduct a full investigation. Thank you for considering my request.
