At Least 10 Injured After 20-Vehicle Crash On Route 309 In Montgomery County
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AMBLER, Pa. (CBS) - A multi-vehicle crash caused a mess Thursday morning on Route 309 in Ambler, Montgomery County. A pileup of at least 20 vehicles closed the highway in both directions for several hours and sent at least 10 people to the hospital. Authorities say a spin-out crash occurred on the southbound side of the highway, followed soon after by a multi-vehicle collision in the northbound lanes.
The crashes happened between Butler Pike and Susquehanna Road, around 5 a.m.
A mix of light snow, rain and freezing rain fell in the area overnight, causing what officials called a "flash freeze." The bridge froze over causing the crashes on both sides, police said.
"All I saw was someone else's car lights facing mine and all I can do was brake and swerve at the same time," said Samuel Torres.
Torres ended up hitting another car. Seconds seemed like forever as Torres recalled the terrifying moments hearing one impact after the other.
"Heard people trying to go through and hitting each other's cars," said Torres. "It was scary."
Torres and his family escaped unharmed. At least 10 people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Once tow trucks cleared the cars, PennDOT came out and salted the roads in time for morning rush hour.
Route 309 was closed between Norristown and Susquehanna Roads for a couple of hours. Traffic was backed up as drivers were rerouted.
