A significant accident on Route 476 North (commonly known as the Blue Route) caused major traffic disruptions earlier today, drawing a swift response from emergency crews and sparking concern among motorists and local residents.
The multi-vehicle crash occurred during the morning commute, near the stretch between the I-76 interchange and the Route 3 exit, a notoriously busy corridor in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Authorities have confirmed that the accident involved at least three vehicles, including a commercial delivery van and two passenger cars. Preliminary reports suggest that a chain reaction began when one vehicle attempted an abrupt lane change, causing a collision that quickly escalated.
The impact forced one of the cars to spin into the median, while the van came to rest blocking two of the three northbound lanes. Emergency personnel from the Pennsylvania State Police, local fire departments, and EMS units were dispatched to the scene around 8:15 a.m.
Upon arrival, they assessed the injured and worked quickly to clear the roadway. Two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while others were treated on-site for minor issues such as whiplash and shock.
As first responders worked to manage the scene, all northbound lanes were temporarily shut down, causing severe delays for commuters traveling toward the I-76 interchange and beyond.
Traffic cameras showed long lines of cars stretching for miles, with some drivers experiencing delays of over an hour. PennDOT issued alerts urging travelers to avoid the area and use alternate routes such as Route 202 or local surface roads if possible.
Tow trucks were seen removing damaged vehicles from the roadway by mid-morning, and cleanup crews worked quickly to clear debris and spilled fluids. By approximately 11:00 a.m., one lane had reopened, and the remaining lanes gradually resumed operation shortly after noon.
In the wake of the accident, authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of safe following distances and cautious lane changes, particularly during high-volume hours.
Investigators are currently reviewing dashcam footage and witness accounts to determine the exact cause of the crash. No citations have yet been issued, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
Local officials took the opportunity to address growing concerns over congestion and accident rates along Route 476, which has seen a rise in collisions over the past year.
With increased traffic volume, especially during summer travel months, safety advocates are calling for additional signage, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and enhanced driver awareness campaigns.
