PHILADELPHIA — A series of crashes involving more than a dozen tractor-trailers this morning has closed a 60-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the central part of the state.

Turnpike officials say 16 commercial vehicles were among those involved in the crash that closed lanes in both directions forcing traffic off the road between the Carlisle and Breezewood exits.

Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says there are five separate incidents in a one-mile stretch of highway approaching the Blue Mountain exit. He says eastbound lanes are closed to allow rescue personnel access to the scene.

Two injuries have been reported, although their severity isn't known.

DeFebo says there's "zero visibility" on that rural stretch of the Turnpike. Officials are detouring traffic around several interchanges to keep vehicles on major arteries rather than local roads.