SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — A serious multi-vehicle accident on Route 476 North — widely known to locals as the Blue Route — caused massive traffic delays and prompted a full-scale emergency response earlier today. The collision, which unfolded during peak morning commuting hours, has significantly impacted one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors and left drivers stranded for hours.
According to early reports from the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident occurred shortly after 7:30 AM near the interchange with Route 1 in Delaware County. Witnesses described a chaotic scene involving multiple passenger vehicles, at least two commercial trucks, and what appeared to be a small delivery van. Several vehicles were left crumpled or overturned across multiple lanes, forcing authorities to shut down the northbound lanes entirely to allow emergency personnel access to the crash site.
Emergency responders from several surrounding municipalities — including Radnor, Marple, and Springfield Townships — rushed to the scene. Firefighters, paramedics, and state police coordinated efforts to extract injured individuals, some of whom were trapped in their vehicles. Medics were observed treating patients on the roadside while awaiting transport, and at least three individuals were airlifted by medical helicopters to nearby trauma centers due to the severity of their injuries.
As traffic ground to a halt, backups quickly extended for miles, snaking as far south as the I-95 interchange and affecting feeder roads throughout the suburban Philadelphia area. Commuters attempting to access I-476 North were rerouted onto surface streets, resulting in heavy congestion across multiple townships. Local authorities advised drivers to avoid the Blue Route entirely and seek alternate routes, though delays continued well into the late morning.
PennDOT issued a traffic alert by 8:00 AM, warning of the complete northbound closure between Exit 5 (Lima/Springfield) and Exit 9 (Broomall/Upper Darby). Traffic cameras and aerial footage from news helicopters showed mangled vehicles scattered across lanes, debris strewn across the roadway, and dozens of emergency workers coordinating response efforts.
“Today’s crash on the Blue Route is one of the more severe incidents we’ve seen on this stretch of highway in recent months,” said Sergeant Daniel Holtz of the Pennsylvania State Police in a press briefing. “We are currently investigating the cause of the accident, which may involve a combination of wet road conditions, driver inattention, and possible speeding. It’s too early to confirm, but multiple factors appear to be at play.”
Officials have not yet released the identities or exact number of individuals injured, but they have confirmed that no fatalities had been reported as of midday. Several patients remain in critical condition, and investigators are working to notify families and collect witness statements.
Clean-up crews worked throughout the morning to clear the wreckage, and tow trucks began removing damaged vehicles shortly after 10:00 AM. Authorities reopened limited lanes to traffic by early afternoon, though residual delays and lane closures are expected to persist into the evening rush hour.
The Blue Route, a critical connector between I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, is notorious for congestion and high traffic volume, particularly during peak hours. This morning’s incident serves as a stark reminder of the route’s vulnerability to sudden, large-scale disruptions.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert, especially during inclement weather. Anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at the Media Barracks.
This story is developing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.