Three dead and 20 hospitalised after fiery crash involving ‘up to 40’ vehicles on Pennsylvania highway

Crash on Interstate 81 near Minersville is labeled a ‘mass casualty incident’

Car crash involving an estimated 20 vehicles unfolded on Pennsylvania’s Interstate 81 on Monday (Schuylkill County Firewire)

At least three people have reportedly died after a massive crash involving up to 40 vehicles brought traffic to a standstill on a Pennsylvania highway.

The crash unfolded at around 11am Monday on Interstate 81 near Minersville, prompting officials in Schuylkill County to declare a mass casualty incident.

A deputy coroner for the county confirmed at least three people died in the crash and 20 more were hospitalised as first responders continue assessing the chaotic scene.

Images posted on social media showed fire crews working to extinguish flames from the crash that was estimated to have involved 40 cars and tractor trailers, according to the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management.

Pennsylvania State Police reported that a tanker truck was on fire, as seen in video from Schuylkill County Firewire.

Another video posted on Facebook by Mike Moye captured a chain reaction of vehicles smashing into others already stopped on the slippery roadway.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it had responded to the incident but did not offer any details about injuries.

Journalist Matt Catrillo of the WKOK 1070 radio station reported that an undisclosed number of people were trapped in their vehicles.

The cause of the crash is under investigation but authorities suspect it was sparked by a snow squall on the roadway, which has been closed in both directions.

The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning on multiple highways in the state, including I-81, effective until 1.30pm.