Interstate 81-construction and heavy traffic in both the north and southbound lanes has meant slower traffic and heavy backups. The Interstate has also been the seen of two major motor vehicle accidents over the past two days.

The first crash happened on Thursday evening during rush hour traffic. A southbound tractor-trailer crashed and landed on its side, leaking motor oil…but not spilling its load. Rescue 2 and Ambulance 2-9 were dispatched at 17:20. City units had been dispatched shortly earlier based on a different 911 caller’s different location.

Chief 2A arrived on scene with Rescue 2 and assumed command. LA 5 was on scene with 2 refusals, while R1 from the City of Scranton was the 1st on scene with initial size-up.

Rescue 2 crews controlled the leak and cleaned up the roadway…returning to service at 18:35

A parked state police cruiser meant to slow traffic before a construction area was hit from behind Friday morning along interstate 81. Rescue 2, Ambulance 2-9, CLS8 and PA State Police were dispatched at 09:47 for the crash.

The Troopers marked car was parked on the side of Interstate 81 near Clarks Summit in order to alert drivers of the upcoming work zone. That's when, troopers said, the driver of a northbound vehicle lost control approaching the construction area, clipped a sport utility vehicle and slammed into the rear of cruiser. The cruiser with heavy damage sat along the shoulder of the road, while the other vehicle ended up on its side. Both the Trooper and the driver of the other car, who was trapped within her vehicle, were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Assisting on the call in addition to the first alarm companies were: South Abington Police Department, Clarks Summit Fire Department and Ambulance, Newton Ransom Fire Department Ambulance and Dalton, Dickson City and Scott Township Police Departments.

All equipment returned to service by 11:16, with the exception of the PA State Police.