Bus driver reportedly fell asleep in I-78 crash

UPPER MACUNGIE TWP, Pa. — The driver of a school bus that hit a tractor-trailer Friday, forcing Interstate 78 to be closed for hours, fell asleep at the wheel, according to state police.

• A driver is suspected by police to have been driving under the influence and had fallen asleep behind the wheel in the Friday morning crash between a double tractor-trailer and a decommissioned school bus on I-78 that closed both lanes
• Injuries were sustained in the crash, but the school bus was not transporting children
• Police say the investigation of the crash is ongoing

Nathaniel Roerig, 33, of Glen Gardner, NJ, driver of the decommissioned bus, was westbound on I-78 when he lost control of the vehicle and hit the rear of a Volvo truck with tandem trailing units that was parked illegally on the right shoulder of the road, police said.

The crash happened near Route 100 South in Trexlertown, state police Public Information Officer Nathan Branosky said.

Police say a preliminary investigation indicates Roerig fell asleep while swerving in lanes of travel and was suspected of a DUI at time of officials' arrival.

Jason Barton, 39, of Harrisburg, was standing outside of the passenger side of the truck when it was hit, shifted to the right and hit him. Police said he told them he had exited the vehicle after waking up, and the truck was unoccupied at the time of the crash.

Roerig and Barton were taken by Cetronia EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment of minor injuries and evaluation, police said.

The bus was privately owned, out of commission and not equipped for student transport, police said.

Traffic was being detoured to Route 100 at the time. One lane was re-opened back just before noon and both lanes by 1:15 p.m.

The investigation continues.

Upper Macungie Fire and other fire units assisted at the scene. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.