SOMERSET CO, Pa (WJAC) — State police say a New Jersey man was killed early Thursday morning in a crash along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Somerset County.
Troopers say the crash occurred around 1 a.m. Thursday as the driver of a van and a tractor-trailer were exiting towards the southbound Somerset service plaza.
Investigators say the driver of the van failed to slow down in time and rear-ended the tractor-trailer.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Jay Harris, of Beverly, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to state police.
Harris was also reportedly hauling chinchillas in his vehicle, which were rescued by the Somerset County Animal Rescue Team.
Troopers say the driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash.
Somerset and Sipesville fire departments, as well as Berlin EMS, assisted on scene.
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