A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer and a vehicle has closed the eastbound side of Interstate 78 in Bethlehem Township on April 10, 2017, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Update: Gary Sliker, 37, of Phillipsburg, has been identified as the victim of the fatal accident.
BETHLEHEM TWP. - A fatal accident involving a tractor-trailer and a Ford Focus closed the eastbound side of Interstate 78 approaching exit 7 (Route 173) on Monday morning, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The driver of Focus was identified as Gary Sliker, 37, of Phillipsburg, who was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police said Monday afternoon.
The Focus struck the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 78, according to those at the scene, ending up underneath the back of the trailer. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
The accident happened at 8:23 a.m. All lanes of eastbound Interstate 78 were reopened as of 12:30 p.m., according to the DOT. The two right lanes were closed for about four hours for an accident investigation. Delays of up to 3 miles were being reported.