Tractor Trailer Was Traveling at an “Unreasonable Speed” in Snowy Conditions Prior to Jack-Knifing, State Police Say

*Feature image courtesy of Preble Fire Department*

State Police tell X101 News Troopers & Preble Fire responded to the area of the 61 mile-marker on I81 South in the Town of Preble for a motor vehicle crash around 5:45pm Sunday evening. As a result of the crash, I81 South was closed down at Exit 63 (Preble), with motorists detoured to Route 281.

State Police say 30 year old Gurpreet Singh Sran of Ontario Canada, was driving a white 2020 Volvo tractor trailer for the company Blue Ice Transport based out of Alberta Canada. The trailer was hauling auto parts.

Highway conditions Sunday night were not ideal. State Police says the highway was lightly wet and snow covered at the time of the crash. An investigation by Troopers found Sran was attempting to pass another vehicle near the 61 mile-marker at an “unreasonable speed” when he lost control. The loss of control caused the tractor trailer to jack knife across both southbound lanes of the highway and also the shoulders.

I81 South was shut down as a result. Preble Fire Chief, Ryne Austin, told X101 News, both Tully Fire and the New York State Department of Transportation were activated to assist with the road closure. Members of the Tully Fire Department alerted and directed motorists off of the highway.

Chief Austin says the highway was closed down for roughly two hours before opening up to a single-lane of traffic. Both All County and CNY Towing worked to remove the jack knifed tractor trailer from the highway.

No injuries were reported.

Sran was issued tickets by State Police as a result of the crash. I81 South was completely reopened to traffic around 8:30 Sunday night.