Mercer County, PA (January 16, 2026) – A tragic multi-vehicle collision involving three semi-trucks claimed the life of a 22-year-old man from Erie on Thursday afternoon along the northbound lanes of I-79 in Jackson Township.
The crash occurred just over one mile north of Exit 122, near the U.S. Route 62 interchange. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the chain-reaction incident began when a semi-truck stopped in the right lane due to traffic. A second semi struck the rear of the first vehicle, and a third semi-truck subsequently crashed into the second, which had shifted into the left lane.
The third vehicle sustained major damage to its front and driver’s side. The driver, identified by Mercer County Coroner John Libonati as 22-year-old Austin Golab of Erie, was pronounced dead at the scene. His cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and chest. The fatality has been ruled accidental.
One passenger from the second semi-truck was also transported to the hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
The crash forced authorities to shut down I-79 in both directions between the I-80 interchange and Exit 130 for several hours. The roadway has since been reopened, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Austin Golab during this difficult time and wish a full recovery to the injured passenger.
