Mercer County firefighters respond to deadly crash

SALVISA, Ky. (FOX 56)—Crews with the Mercer County Fire District (MCFD) have responded to a deadly Tuesday morning crash involving a garbage truck and a pickup truck on US-127. Around 7:30 a.m. on March 10, officials with Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) issued an alert that the northbound lanes of US-127 were blocked, with the southbound lane also temporarily blocked following a crash at the 15-mile marker. Around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, officials with the MCFD posted on social media that crews had responded to the deadly crash. "All North Bound lanes are closed and will be for a long time," authorities said. Emergency management officials advised drivers to try to use Oregon Road onto Main Street as a detour. Members of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were working to set up message boards near the scene of the crash to warn travelers. Just after 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, the truck was allegedly hit from behind, according to leaders with Rumpke Waste and Recycling. The driver was outside serving a customer at the time and wasn't hurt, but was taken to the hospital as a precaution. "This is a tragic accident, and our thoughts are with everyone involved," said Kevin Hall, Rumpke communications coordinator. “Safety is of the utmost importance to our company, and we are working closely with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police on the investigation.” The crash remains under investigation by the Kentucky State Police. First responders in Mercer County emphasized that the Tuesday morning crash was "horrible." "It was a horrible scene this morning on 127," fire district officials wrote. "Please send a prayer up for all the first responders, Law Enforcement, Coroners Office and especially Fire Department who have to deal with such horrible results." This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.