NEW TRIPOLI — A Gilberton man died Monday when the pickup truck he was driving was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Lehigh County.
John J. Merchlinsky Jr., 54, of 1210 Main St., was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Route 309 at 2:26 p.m. by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner David Krause.
Lehigh County Coroner Scott M. Grim ruled the death accidental caused by multiple blunt force trauma.
State police at Fogelsville said the crash occurred about 1:25 p.m. on Route 309, just north of Gun Club Road in Lynn Township. The site is just south of the West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, line.
Trooper Salvatore M. Alaimo Jr. said Merchlinsky was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck north on Route 309 when he drove into the back of a 1995 Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by David P. Matz, 30, of Schuylkill Haven.
After hitting Matz’s truck, Merchlinsky’s vehicle traveled into the oncoming southbound lane where it was struck by a 2012 Mack CHU600 truck and trailer driven by Willie F. Helfrich Jr., 58, of Andreas, Alaimo said.
Merchlinsky’s vehicle then traveled back into the northbound lanes where it was struck by a 2007 Freightliner tractor-trailer being driven by Carlos R. Madera, 50, of Hazleton.
After the third impact, Merchlinsky’s truck came to a stop on the westbound shoulder of the highway, Alaimo said.
Alaimo, who could not be reached for additional information Tuesday, did not say whether Matz, Helfrich or Madera were injured.
Route 309 was closed for about five hours while police conducted their investigation and the vehicles were removed from the highway.
Area fire police assisted with traffic control.
Alaimo said that anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call state police at Fogelsville at 610-395-1438.