SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Five women from New York were struck and killed by a tractor-trailer Tuesday night on Interstate 81 North in Lackawanna County, state police at Dunmore said.
The crash happened at about 5:14 p.m. near mile marker 199.3 in Scott Township, state police said.
Authorities say a minivan lost control and hit the median. Four people got out of that vehicle, and a family member driving in a separate car got out of her vehicle, and all were hit by a tractor-trailer.
The deceased were identified as Harvist Zebari, 42, of Endwell; Fatma Ahmed, 71, of Binghamton; Shahzinaz Mizouri, 56, of Vestal; Aleen Ameen, 19, of Johnson City; and Bervian Zebara, 43, of Johnson City. They are from the same family.
Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland confirmed they all died of their injuries. He determined their deaths were accidents, but the state police are continuing their investigation.
A sixth person, Parjan Ameen, 22, of Johnson City, suffered moderate injuries during the crash. The state police have not identified the driver of the tractor-trailer, who suffered minor injuries.
Just hours later, traveling in the same direction for a quick trip to New York State, Janet Pohoda says she was shocked when she saw emergency lights along that stretch of I-81 North.
"I just came down southbound here and stopped to get fuel real fast Before I headed home, and I seen over there The lights and everything obviously, everything stopped on 81 going northbound, but I didn't glance over to see what was going on I was just more interested in the exit I was getting off and keeping my eye on the road," said Janet Pohoda, Pottsville.
Pohoda says the snow left roads slick, a hazard she thinks drivers should avoid, "I wish everybody would just stay safe out there. You know it's bad, especially if the coroners are there right now. My heart goes out to them and their family."
Authorities shut down the interstate's northbound lanes for four hours.
The Tuesday night crash is the deadliest in Lackawanna County since January 2016, when Gennadiy Manannikov drove the wrong way on I-81 near Clarks Summit and collided head-on with a car full of people.
Of the seven people involved in the crash, five died.
Manannikov, who was under the influence at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty in July 2017 to several counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and was sentenced two months later to 18 to 36 years in prison.
Should you get into a crash on an interstate, PennDOT recommends the following to stay safe:
• Get as far away from active traffic lanes as you can. If possible, get to a rest stop area or emergency pull-off.
• Take note of where you are. On interstates, green mile markers are located every tenth of a mile on the shoulder.
• Call a mechanic, tow truck, or your insurance company's roadside assistance provider for help.
• If you're not sure who to contact, call the local police or 911.
• Put a white handkerchief or any bright-colored cloth on the radio antenna or vehicle door facing traffic if your vehicle is disabled.
• Turn on your headlights and hazard lights if you break down at night.
• Stay inside your vehicle as much as possible while waiting for assistance. Do not enter, cross, or walk close to an active lane of traffic on the interstate.
• If you can stay in the vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Don't get out if you're on the side of moving traffic.