Tour Bus/Tractor Trailer crash closes PA Turnpike near Downingtown

Being in North Carolina, I never hear when my high school Alma mater makes the news. Well, imagine the surprise I had driving into work this morning when I heard that a tour bus carrying 40 people from Elizabeth-Forward High School was involved in a crash that briefly closed the PA Turnpike.

The crash happened near Downingtown, PA around 4:30 AM this morning. Fortunately, only one serious injury was reported. The driver of the tour bus, Timothy Berkshire, was flown to a local hospital.

The wreck with a tractor trailer briefly closed the Turnpike in both directions. The bus was carrying EF Band Members to a drum competition in New Jersey.

It seems that the truck was returning onto the eastbound Turnpike from a pulloff and was picking up speed when the bus ran into the back of the truck. The two became stuck and continued for 400 feet before stopping. The bus was traveling at 60 mph, and the truck was going 40. The speed limit on this stretch of the Turnpike is 65 mph.

Story:
Elizabeth Forward bus crash injuries mostly minor ---Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tour Bus Involved in PA Turnpike Crash ---KYW Philadelphia

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