3 people killed in tanker truck crash on Northeast Extension identified: Montgomery County officials

WHITPAIN TWP, Pa. - Three people are dead, and one is injured after police say a tanker truck carrying jet fuel slammed into two cars on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Saturday morning. 

The fatal crash happened around 11 a.m. on a stretch of the Northeast Extension near the Lansdale exit in Whitpain Township, police said. 

Investigators say a vehicle with a flat tire pulled into the far right lane of traffic, which caused a vehicle behind it to slow or come to a stop. A tanker truck, which authorities say was filled with jet fuel, could not slow down quickly enough and slammed into both vehicles. 

Authorities confirm that three bodies were recovered from the crash wreckage, including the driver of the tanker truck and driver of the trailing car.

The three victims were identified by the coroner's office as James Achey, 57, of Seaford, Delaware; Suzette Achey, 52, of Seaford, Delaware; William Ramos, 63, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Cause and manner of death is still pending investigation.

The fiery crash caused all lanes to close and backed up traffic for miles. Road crews eventually opened up emergency access gates to help the stranded travelers get by until all lanes of traffic eventually re-opened.