Snow cited in crashes west of Philly

Snowfall west and north of Philadelphia is being blamed for a series of motor vehicle accidents, including a pair of pile ups on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Berks County.

At least 10 people were reported injured in the turnpike crashes, which occurred about a half-mile apart and closed the westbound lanes between the Morgantown and Reading exits. Their conditions are not yet known.

A photo on LancasterOnline.com shows a number of vehicles, including tractor trailers and a tanker truck, tangled on the highway.

Turnpike officials said 35 vehicles, including a snow plow, were involved in the twin pileups, about 50 miles west of Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, state police say about 40 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes Thursday morning on I-78, shuting down westbound lanes in Berks County. At least one victim was airlifted to a hospital.

Officials also reported a smattering of crashes in Chester and Montgomery Counties.

The weather service said 2.3 inches of snow fell in Reading, while parts of Chester County saw nearly two inches, with 1.8 inches recorded in East Nantmeal and Elverson, and 1.6 inches in West Caln Township.