NTSB: Straps corroded on Lehigh Tunnel conduit that fell, killing 1

SLATINGTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- Federal investigators say steel straps holding electrical conduits to the ceiling of a Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnel had corroded before a portion of conduit crashed through the windshield of a truck, killing the driver.

Truck driver impaled on turnpike, killed: John Rawlins reports on Action News at 5 p.m., February 22, 2018

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday issued a preliminary report on the Feb. 21 accident inside the Lehigh Tunnel, about 70 miles north of Philadelphia.

NE Extension reopens after serious crash in Bucks Co. Watch this report from Action News at 4pm on February 21, 2018.

The report says a 2016 inspection had found the corrosion and that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was in the process of awarding a contract to replace the straps when the accident happened.

Howard Sexton, 70, a Gloucester County, New Jersey truck driver, was killed when the section of conduit struck him in the head.

NJ man killed after beam falls in Lehigh Tunnel. Rick Williams reports during Action News at Noon on February 22, 2018.

The NTSB plans to identify a cause in its final report along with safety recommendations.

Crash on Pa. Turnpike Extension: Sarah Bloomquist reports during Action News at Noon on February 21, 2018.

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