Vehicle accident on Route 30 still causing delays through town

A fire policeman directs traffic at 3rd & Chestnut (Route 462) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (That's a large tractor-trailer making a turn behind him.) Traffic was rerouted from Route 30 due to a multi-vehicle accident there.

A multiple-vehicle crash at the Columbia Borough line in West Hempfield Township has resulted in a closure of Route 30, causing traffic to back up more than 3 miles in both directions. The crash was reported at 10:53 a.m., with reports of entrapment and vehicles on fire. 

West Hempfield police have confirmed a fatality as emergency crews work to clear the scene. Route 30 westbound is closed at Prospect Road, while eastbound is closed at Route 441. Traffic cameras show significant delays and backups on both sides of the highway. 

The driver of the black Hyundai tried to buzz out around the line of traffic (at 5th & Chestnut) until this fire policeman stopped him. Traffic was backed up on Route 462 through town today due to a vehicle accident on Route 30.

Route 462 is being utilized as a detour, leading to slowdowns and traffic jams through Columbia. 

A birds-eye view of vehicles at 5th & Chestnut (at about 4 p.m.) after fire policemen brought traffic under control.