PennDOT lifts alert on I-80 in Venango County

Three people were taken to hospitals following a multi-vehicle crash that blocked the westbound traffic along Interstate 80 in Venango County early Thursday.

At around 1 am, PennDOT announced that all westbound lanes were closed between Exit 35: PA 308 in Clintonville and Exit 29 PA*: Barkeyville/Franklin - Oil City area.

According to police, there were actually two separate accidents.

Police say a tractor-trailer combo turned over in Clinton Township, blocking both westbound lanes.

The driver was flown by helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

The second accident occurred when a second tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the overturned tractor-trailer and struck a car that had already stopped.

Both drivers were taken to Grove City Hospital.  The truck driver has moderate injuries.  The driver of the car was released after treatment.

As of 9:30 am Thursday one westbound lane of I-80 was open to traffic.