Officials in Wellersburg say Route 160 has reopened, as of 8 p.m., following an 18-hour cleanup from Friday morning’s fatal tractor-trailer crash that claimed the life of a Mississippi man.
Troopers identified the driver as 42-year-old Alexander Johnson of Amory, MS.
Investigators say the vehicle reportedly suffered an issue with its braking system, resulting in Johnson deciding to “leap” from the moving vehicle, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police say the tractor-trailer continued to travel off the roadway where it struck several trees and became engulfed in flames.
Authorities say Route 160 is still closed to traffic as crews work to remove the vehicle from the scene.
Wellersburg Fire, Meyersdale Fire, Corriganville Fire, Berlin EMS, Allegany County EMS, the Somerset County Coroner’s Office, PennDOT and the Maryland Dept. of Transportation are all assisting on scene.
Troopers are investigating what led to the crash.
