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LAUREL RUN — A Philadelphia man is dead after a tractor-trailer rolled over while descending the steep Giants Despair hill in Laurel Run on Wednesday morning.

State Police identified the driver as Anthony W. Williams, 54.

The Northampton Street rollover occurred sometime around 6:17 a.m., troopers say.

The truck was pulling a flatbed trailer with an unidentified container on it at the time.

Williams was driving north on the winding road, losing control as he tried to negotiate a right downhill turn.

The truck rolled onto its driver’s side, striking an embankment with its front end. It finally came to a rest in the southbound shoulder of the road.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

State Police have not officially determined what caused Williams to lose control, but Laurel Run Fire Department Deputy Chief Jolene Golubieski offered some insight.

A man following the truck told officials it might have experienced brake issues, Golubieski said. But she also said the weight of the truck definitely was a factor, adding there are numerous signs along the road alerting drivers to not steer trucks with heavy loads down the hill.

Laurel Run Fire, Wilkes-Barre Township Rescue and Hanover Rescue all assisted at the scene, Golubieski said.

The rig was taken away by Falzone’s Towing.

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By Patrick Kernan

[email protected]

Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6386 or on Twitter @PatKernan