1 dead in major Pennsylvania pileup; more than 24 vehicles involved

PHILADELPHIA -- One person is dead after a major pile-up involving more than two dozen vehicles on the Schuylkill Expressway.

State Police confirm the fatality to Action News, but have not released further details.

Traffic is blocked in both directions between Gulf Mills and the Blue Route.

The accident on I-76 in Upper Merion, Pa. occurred just before 7:00 a.m.

It is one of a number of multi-vehicle accidents due to icy roads Sunday morning.

Around the same time, a multi-vehicle crash on the Blue Route in West Conshohocken has resulted in a ramp restriction. There is a report of injuries, as well.

Action News has learned the Ben Franklin Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge, Burlington-Bristol Bridge, Betsy Ross Bridge, and Commodore Barry Bridge are shut down due to ice.

The Tacony Palmyra Bridge was shut down but has reopened.

A multi-vehicle accident has also been reported on I-676 westbound at I-76 West- Valley Forge.

Meanwhile on I-95 northbound, a multi-vehicle crash was reported between Columbus Boulevard and I-676. All lanes are closed.

In the Frankford section of Philadelphia, a fire department ladder truck slid on ice at Frankford Avenue and Margaret Street while responding to an accident.

The truck jackknifed around 8:00 a.m. No injuries were reported.

In Claymont, Delaware, a State Trooper received minor injuries after his patrol car was struck while investigating a crash.

The trooper was on location on I-495 over Naamans Road taking a report on an ice-related accident when his vehicle was struck.

The trooper was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

While on location covering this incident, the Action Cam captured a third crash on the ramp for Naamans Road.

A freezing rain advisory is in effect in the area through 10:00 a.m. but temperatures are forecast to rise into the 40s later Sunday.

Philadelphia police are asking drivers to stay off the major roads this morning.

SEPTA and NJ Transit are also reporting some delays due to the icy conditions. For the latest information, visit SEPTA.org and NJTransit.com.

PATCO says it is running on or close to normal. PATCO is honoring NJ Transit bus tickets between Camden (Broadway Station/Water Rand) and Philadelphia at this time. For more information, visit, http://www.ridepatco.org/

Philadelphia International Airport says to check your flight status with your airline or call 1-800-PHL-GATE.