A heartbreaking crash along Interstate 81 North in Luzerne County claimed the life of Jesus G. Montell Rincon early Thursday morning, according to newly released details from the Pennsylvania State Police.
Investigators say the fatal incident occurred around 6:41 a.m. near mile marker 140.3 in Hazle Township. Authorities reported that a 2024 Volvo commercial truck had become disabled on the shoulder of the highway before the collision happened.
Police identified the truck operator as 58-year-old Jesus G. Montell Rincon of Clayton, Pennsylvania. According to the crash report, Rincon was outside of the truck and standing between the cab and the roadway when tragedy struck.
State police say a 2005 Toyota Camry driven by 22-year-old Jason M. Cruz of Hampton, Virginia, was traveling northbound on Interstate 81 when the vehicle struck Rincon in the right lane of travel.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but authorities confirmed that Jesus Montell Rincon suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Officials stated that the driver of the Toyota was not injured in the collision and refused medical transport following the incident.
Traffic along the interstate was impacted for several hours as troopers and emergency crews conducted their investigation and worked to clear the scene. Pennsylvania State Police Hazleton continue to investigate the crash and have not yet announced whether any additional factors may have contributed to the deadly collision.
The tragic loss of Jesus Rincon has deeply saddened many, especially those within the trucking and transportation community who understand the risks drivers face while stopped along busy highways. Incidents involving disabled vehicles on interstates continue to highlight the dangers roadside workers and motorists encounter every day.
