Hazleton, PA — Three people were injured in a garbage truck accident that took place in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. The accident happened on Interstate 81, near the Route 424 on-ramp.
According to local sources, garbage truck being driven by Peter Lengyel and carrying two passengers came onto the interstate and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision caused the middle passenger to be ejected through the windshield. Lengyel then slammed on his brakes, which caused the cab of his truck to become dislodged and flip forward. The passenger who had been ejected from the truck was caught beneath it and dragged about 40 feet down the road.
The man who was ejected from the garbage truck was taken to a nearby hospital for his injuries. Lengyel and the second passenger inside the truck, identified as 33-year old Christopher Brown, were taken to local hospitals.
The driver of the tractor-trailer that rear-ended the garbage truck was identified as 40-year old Christian Collin.
Police say that Lengyel will be cited for his role in the accident.
Scene of the Accident
View from the Road
Commentary
I’d be really interested in knowing exactly how this accident played out. News sources say the garbage truck involved came onto the interstate and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. What did the timing look like? Did the garbage truck cut the tractor-trailer off, or did the driver of the tractor-trailer have time to stop, but for whatever reason didn’t? If the tractor-trailer driver is found to be at fault for the accident, then the three individuals inside the garbage truck would all have a claim against him. Beyond that, I’m curious to know a little more about the man who was ejected from the garbage truck. Was this vehicle even designed to fit three people inside the cab? Was he even an employee of the company that owns the truck? If he or the second passenger were only along for the ride, then they could potentially have claims against both trucks. I realize it’s very possible that the tractor-trailer wasn’t to blame for this, and I know that I’m looking at this accident from every angle, but a man was ejected through a windshield and dragged 40 feet down the road. Where the blame for this accident lies needs to be figured out, because that man needs to be taken care of. And if it was the tractor-trailer that caused the accident, then that driver needs to be held accountable.
— Grossman Law Offices
Obtain copies of DOT stops on 81 between Hazelton and Frackville on Wed the day Hazleton’s trash is picked up. I believe if they documented you will find your answer if they carry more passengers than seat belts allowed. I don’t think milk crates are approved seating.