Salisbury Township: Gavin J. Long Identified in Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 78 Eastbound
SALISBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A tragic crash along Interstate 78 in Salisbury Township has claimed the life of Gavin J. Long, a 20-year-old motorcyclist from Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County. The accident occurred on Sunday morning and involved three vehicles, prompting a thorough investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.
According to Trooper Nathan Branosky, spokesperson for Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, the incident happened at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 58.8. Long was operating a 2024 Yamaha motorcycle in the middle lane of the highway when the crash occurred.
Authorities reported that as Long attempted to change lanes, his motorcycle sideswiped the rear driver’s side of a 2022 Volvo semi-trailer traveling just ahead of him. The impact caused Long to lose control of the motorcycle, throwing him from the bike into the left lane of the highway.
Moments later, a third vehicle, a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, traveling in the left lane, struck Long after the initial impact. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene and arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Long was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
All lanes of I-78 eastbound were temporarily shut down as crash reconstruction teams, emergency crews, and investigators worked to clear the scene and gather critical evidence. The closure caused significant traffic delays, but authorities emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to understand the exact sequence of events.
The drivers of the semi-truck and the Jeep Grand Cherokee remained at the scene and are cooperating fully with law enforcement. No other injuries were reported. Toxicology tests and further evaluations are being conducted as part of standard procedures in serious roadway incidents.
Gavin J. Long was remembered by family and friends as a young man with a passion for motorcycles and a promising future ahead. His sudden passing has left a deep sense of loss in his community, where tributes have begun to appear both online and near the crash site.
State Police have urged any witnesses or drivers who may have dashcam footage of the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation. Authorities are working diligently to ensure that all contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle speed, and visibility, are examined.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, officials remind drivers to remain cautious on highways, particularly when operating motorcycles or sharing the road with larger commercial vehicles. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more details become available.
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