MIFFLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA — New details have been released in the fatal tractor-trailer crash into Laurel Creek Reservoir, with the Mifflin County Coroner saying the driver likely suffered a heart-related medical emergency before the wreck, and county officials now saying taxpayers are not expected to cover most of the recovery costs.
Steven Larrabee, 72, of Lancaster County, was identified as the driver killed in the crash. Officials said the tractor-trailer was hauling popcorn snacks when it went off Route 322 and into the reservoir early Friday morning.
Cause of Death Determined
In a statement released Tuesday, the coroner said Larrabee most likely suffered a heart-related medical emergency before the crash, causing him to lose control of the tractor-trailer.
The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force trauma injuries from the crash. The manner of death was ruled accidental. Officials also said drowning was not a factor.
How the Crash Happened
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, as the tractor-trailer traveled westbound on U.S. 322.
Police said the truck failed to make a right-hand curve, struck the center concrete barrier, went through a guiderail, continued about 150 feet along a gravel road, then went over an embankment and into Laurel Creek Reservoir.
State police said the tractor portion of the vehicle was fully submerged in the creek, while the trailer was partially submerged.
Recovery Costs Expected to Be Covered by Insurance
After the crash, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a do-not-drink advisory for water from the Laurel Dam and Reservoir. That advisory has since been lifted.
Craig Bubb, executive director of the Mifflin County Water Authority, said costs tied to the recovery operation are expected to be submitted through an insurance claim against the trucking company.
Crews from multiple agencies spent nearly nine hours working to recover Larrabee and the vehicle from the scene, according to City Hook & Ladder #14 in Lewistown.
Bubb said Eagle Towing, the engineering firm involved in the overnight response, and others who assisted at the scene all incurred costs during the recovery effort.
County officials said S & G Larrabee Trucking’s insurance has been billed, and the only direct county expense is expected to be overtime for employees who worked overnight at the crash scene.
Community Water Response
The crash also triggered a Do Not Drink the Water Notice for customers served by the Mifflin County Municipal Authority over the weekend. That notice was lifted Sunday evening.
During the advisory, free bottled water and gallon containers were distributed to affected residents.
Officials said Walmart covered the cost of eight tractor-trailers of water after a connection was made through Mifflin County emergency management. County Commissioner Kevin Kodish said other vendors also contributed smaller amounts, while first responders played a major role in distribution.
Kodish said the community came together to help neighbors across the affected area.
The Mifflin County Water Authority is asking customers to update their phone numbers to ensure they receive future emergency alerts by contacting MCMA@miflincountyh2o.com.
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