The driver of a tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital this morning (Monday, February 23, 2015) after crashing his tractor-trailer into a restaurant just off of State Route 61 in West Brunswick Township, between Orwigsburg and Deer Lake.
Emergency personnel were called to Russo’s Pizza Den, 1353 Centre Turnpike (SR61), around 2:45 AM for a report of a tractor-trailer into a building with entrapment.
Schuylkill Rescue Task Force, consisting of West End Fire Company in Mahanoy City, Yorkville Technical Rescue in Pottsville and Orwigsburg Fire/Rescue Company, worked together secure the heavily damaged building prior to rescuing the driver. Rescuers had to cut the door off to reach the driver. The driver was eventually freed around 5:30 AM.
The truck was operated by E.P.E.S. of Greensboro, North Carolina.
A firefighter on scene stated that it was fortunate this happened when no one was in the building.
A parked Jeep Liberty was also severely damaged during the crash. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Responding were fire companies from Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville, Deer Lake/West Brunswick Township and others.
Also on scene were State Police and Schuylkill Haven EMS.
Fire Police controlled that section of SR61 for the duration.
The injured driver was identified as James Mitchell, 61, of Ringtown. The driver told police he hit a patch of ice.
Emergency crews were still on scene as of 6:30 AM.
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