Fatal Work Zone Accident on I-83 Claims Lives of Three Construction Workers

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) — Three construction workers were killed in a crash Wednesday morning, April 17, on Interstate 83 South.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. near the Fishing Creek exit in Fairview Township, when a large box truck driven by a 24-year-old collided with a construction truck directing traffic with flashing arrows in an active work zone.

According to police, the incident prompted the box truck to travel onto the shoulder of the road and collide with the three construction workers. All three workers, who PennDOT says worked for CriLon Corp. in Somerset, were pronounced deceased on the scene. They were engaged in a crack sealing job.

The truck driver’s status is unknown at this time.

The workers’ identities have not yet been published, and their causes and manner of death are pending autopsies scheduled for Thursday, according to the coroner’s office.

I-83 South was stopped for many hours on Wednesday morning between Exits 36, Fishing Creek, and 35, PA 177 Lewisberry, as crews responded to the incident. The interstate is now reopened.

Pennsylvania State Police in York County are investigating the incident. Local fire departments and EMS agencies also assisted on the spot.

This crash occurs as officials strive to raise awareness for work zone safety across the state during National Strive Zone Awareness Week. PennDOT posted to X on Wednesday, encouraging people to wear orange shirts in support of Go Orange Day.

“PennDOT is extremely saddened by the news of the workers killed in the work zone crash on Interstate 83 in York County. These workers left their homes with the full expectation that they would return safely at the end of the shift. Our hearts go out to them, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. This is National Work Zone Protection Week, and this event emphasizes the need for motorists to remain vigilant and drive cautiously in our work zones for the protection of our workers and themselves.”