7 Vehicles Involved In Crash That Shut Down 422, Hospitalized Several

UPPER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP, PA — The major accident that shut down Route 422 for hours on Wednesday and crippled traffic throughout the area involved a total of seven vehicles, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at mile marker 183.8, which is just west of the Route 29 ramp, already one of the most highly trafficked portions of the road.

Three commercial vehicles, including large trucks, and four passenger vehicles were involved in the accident.

The exact cause of the crash is unclear and remains under investigation by Troop K of the Pennsylvania State Police and Upper Providence Police.

For many drivers in the Limerick, Royersford, Phoenixville, Spring City, and Collegeville areas, the incident resurfaced long-lingering concerns about congestion on the Route 422 corridor. Multiple accidents within the past two weeks, ranging from Pottstown to the King of Prussia area, have brought traffic to a standstill.

The crash, which occurred in the westbound lanes and shut down all traffic westbound, spread debris and ruined vehicles across the road and grass median. The accident scene and scattered debris ran for about a half a mile stretch of the highway.

Friendship Ambulance transported numerous victims to multiple nearby hospitals for treatment with various injuries. None of the injuries were reported by authorities as life-threatening.

In addition to shutting down westbound 422, the accident also closed the westbound entrance ramps from Route 29, and traffic was diverted off the Route 29 exit.

Some drivers sat for hours, particularly on Egypt Road and on 422 itself, as they were diverted off of the roadway before the accident using the on-ramp.

In addition to PA State Police, Friendship Ambulance, and Upper Providence police, UPT Fire & Emergency Services, the Royersford Fire Department, and Upper Providence Township Public Works helped respond to the incident.

All lanes of 422 were reopened by 2:45 p.m.