Tractor-trailer, Jeep crash on I-78 near toll bridge

A tractor-trailer and a Jeep Wrangler crashed early Friday on Interstate 78 West just before the toll bridge that connects New Jersey to Pennsylvania, authorities report.

Injuries were reported.

The crash was reported at 3:02 a.m. by a driver at the toll plaza in Williams Township; a Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission officer in charge set up the traffic pattern with a closed right lane, commission spokesman Joe Donnelly said.

At least one injured person was transported to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill.

New Jersey State Police handled the investigation, although Pennsylvania State Police also responded because the crash was so close to the border, Donnelly said.

The driver of the Jeep, Ashley Berger, 28, of Washington, was in the right lane before striking a front tire on the truck's trailer in the left lane, New Jersey Stare Police Capt. Steve Jones said.

Berger's passenger, Joel Fatjo, 33, of Phillipsburg, was injured, Jones said. The Jeep was towed, Jones said.

Fatjo was stable in good condition on Friday morning, a St. Luke's supervisor said. The hospital had no record of Berger.

The truck, driven by Kevin Foltz, 47, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, wasn't disabled in the crash, Jones said.

The investigation is continuing and alcohol may be factor in the Jeep hitting the truck, Jones said. No charges have been filed and no tickets processed, he said.

The right lane was closed for about an hour, Donnelly said.

The Easton Emergency Squad, Phillipsburg EMS and the Williams Township Fire Department also responded, Donnelly said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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