KNOX, Pa. (EYT) – A tractor-trailer transporting Danica Patrick NASCAR merchandise was involved in an accident on Interstate 80 near Knox yesterday afternoon.

Clarion-based state police said the accident occurred near mile-marker 54 on Interstate 80 eastbound when the hauler, operated by 35-year-old Guy Chappell, of Collingsville, VA, was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer operated by 48-year-old John Cole, of Vandergrift, Pa.

Police said Cole didn’t realize the hauler and other traffic had slowed due to an approaching construction zone.

Cole was transported to Clarion Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Chappell and a passenger, 25-year-old Heather Savedge, of Martinsville, VA, were transported to Clarion Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

A portion of Interstate 80 was closed for clean-up efforts.

Officials on the scene say the merchandise trailer sustained major damage in the crash.

Michael Gilara of Bauer Truck Repair, who was on the scene assisting with recovery and clean-up, said both vehicles sustained disabling damage.

“Merchandise from the Danica Patrick trailer was scattered along the Interstate.”, said Gilara.

Knox VFD, Knox Ambulance, and Bauer Truck Repair assisted at the scene.

Patrick drives the #7 GoDaddy.com car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and occasionally in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.