State police at Frackville said 50 to 60 vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 Monday morning.

The incident occurred before 11 o’clock just north of Exit 116/Minersville, during a snow squall.

As of press time today, police have not confirmed fatalities that are being reported, although the Hazleton Standard Speaker reported Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes had pronounced victims dead at the scene.

The county’s coroner, Dr. David Moylan, said all information regarding the pile-up, including deaths, injuries and details, would eventually be released by Trooper David Beohm of the state police.

A preliminary press release on the state police website said there were multiple reports of injured and trapped motorists. A fire involving several vehicles was also reported by police.

Police said 24 people were injured and taken by EMS to four different hospitals.

Crash victims who were able to walk from the scene were transported by buses from Schuylkill Transportation Center to a site at the Wegman’s Distribution Center in Highridge Industrial Park.

After triage they were taken to Goodwill Fire Company in Minersville.

With some vehicles in flames, firemen under the direction of Eric Eichenberg, Minersville fire chief, responded to the interstate. According to reports, crews had a difficult time getting to the scene due to slippery road conditions and vehicles that were stuck on Route 901 leading to the interstate.

Firefighters set up portable dams to shuttle water to fight the fire, while rescue crews and firefighters from numerous area companies worked to free people trapped inside their vehicles. An aerial truck was used to spray water from above onto the burning vehicles.

The interstate is closed between Exit 107/Tremont/Tower City and Exit 119/Highridge Park Road.

Photographs and video footage of the aftermath show dozens of cars, tractor-trailers and box trucks strewn across the highway.

A video taken as the pileup occurs shows whiteout conditions caused by a passing snow squall. Heavy fog was also present. In that post, a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle was among those involved.

State police forensic units, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialists and Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program were called to the scene.

The National Weather Service issued a snow squall warnings earlier in the day.

On Feb. 19, a 40-vehicle pile-up on Interstate 81 near McAdoo left five people with minor injuries.

The incident closed the interstate’s northbound lanes for six hours and was caused by a blinding snow squall.

The American Red Cross reported it responded with personnel to provide resources and assistance to affected motorists involved or affected by the pile-up. Red Cross Disaster Action Team members, in coordination with local officials and emergency responders established a reception center to provide a safe and warm central hub for motorists and their families to receive information, blankets, food,and drink.

Anyone in need of Red Cross assistance should call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select option #4 for Disaster Relief.