Rig Smashes Car on I-78, Police Say

A Hyundai vs. a Kenworth.

You can probably guess who got the best of this tussle recently on Interstate 78 in Lower Macungie Township. And, you would be right. The good news is that the results weren't a whole lot worse.

The tractor-trailer driven by Derrick P. Dupre, 28, of Denham Springs, La., was eastbound in the passing lane of I-78 at 11:10 a.m. Feb. 5, according to state police at Fogelsville. Just after merging onto Route 309, Dupre shifted to the right lane but did not see the Hyundai in his "blind spot."

That car was driven by Thomas R. Maggio, 58, of Ephrata, Lancaster County. The tractor-trailer's right front wheel struck the driver's side of Maggio's car, causing the Hyundai Elantra to spin in front of the rig and into the center concrete barrier, police said.

The car bounced off the center barrier then in front of the truck again, where it was hit by the truck in the left front driver's side, police said.

Maggio was transported to a hospital by Cetronia Ambulance Corps. Police said they were uncertain of the extent of his injuries.

Dupre was unhurt, police said.

The car received disabling damage, police said. Minor damage was reported to the rig.

Dupre was cited for not staying within his lane, police said.