Box Truck Accident Shuts Down Portion Of Route 581

Hugo van Dijk

3 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Details of the Box Truck Accident on Route 581

The accident involved a box truck and a sedan. Preliminary reports suggest the box truck, attempting a lane change, collided with the sedan causing significant damage to both vehicles. While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police, witnesses report that heavy rain may have contributed to the slick road conditions.

• Time of the accident: Approximately 2:00 PM
• Exact location: Route 581 southbound, near mile marker 17, south of Harrisburg. The area is easily identifiable by the large oak tree near the on-ramp.
• Types of vehicles involved: A white box truck (make and model pending confirmation) and a blue sedan (make and model pending confirmation).
• Initial reports from emergency responders: Emergency responders reported two individuals sustained injuries, one driver with moderate injuries and the other with minor injuries. Both individuals were transported to Hershey Medical Center for treatment. The initial response included two ambulances, one fire engine, and several police cruisers.

Impact of the Route 581 Closure on Traffic

The accident resulted in the complete closure of the southbound lanes of Route 581 for approximately two hours. This closure led to significant traffic congestion, with backups stretching for over five miles. Commuters experienced lengthy delays, and many were forced to find alternative routes.

• Estimated length of the road closure: Approximately 2 hours.
• Traffic backup in miles: Over 5 miles.
• Suggested detours and alternative routes: Drivers were advised to use Route 322 or Interstate 81 as alternative routes. (Note: Interactive map links would be inserted here in a live article).
• Impact on commute times: Commute times were significantly impacted, with some drivers reporting delays of over an hour.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the accident. The road has since been partially reopened, with one lane remaining closed while crews clear the scene and conduct a thorough investigation.

• Number of emergency responders on-site: At least 15 emergency responders were on-site.
• Types of emergency vehicles used: Two ambulances, one fire engine, several police cruisers, and a tow truck.
• Preliminary findings of the police investigation: The investigation is ongoing. However, initial reports suggest that driver inattention may have played a role, but this is pending further investigation.
• Updates on road reopening timeline: One lane remains closed as of 4:30 PM. Complete reopening is expected by 6:00 PM, but this remains subject to change.

Safety Precautions for Drivers on Route 581

Following any highway accident, caution is paramount. Drivers should exercise extra vigilance and take the following precautions:

• Reduce speed in accident zones.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel.
• Check traffic apps (like Waze or Google Maps) and local news for updates before traveling on Route 581.

Conclusion

The box truck accident on Route 581 this afternoon resulted in significant traffic delays and a partial road closure. The accident involved a box truck and a sedan, leading to injuries and substantial traffic congestion. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the cause of the accident. While one lane has reopened, drivers should remain cautious and check for Route 581 traffic updates before traveling in the area. For the latest information on the Route 581 box truck accident and ongoing traffic conditions, consult local news outlets or traffic websites. Stay informed for the most up-to-date information on Route 581 traffic and road closures.