5 dead, dozens hospitalized in Pennsylvania Turnpike crash

A tweet from Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo said the crash involved a tour bus, two tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.
Emergency crews respond to a fatal crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Mount Pleasant Township early Sunday morning. (Photo | AP)
Emergency crews respond to a fatal crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Mount Pleasant Township early Sunday morning. (Photo | AP)

GREENBURG: Five people were killed and dozens injured early Sunday in a crash involving multiple vehicles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a transportation official said.

A tweet from Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo said the crash involved a tour bus, two tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.

DeFebo told The Associated Press that the Westmoreland County coroner confirmed five fatalities and said at least 60 people were hospitalised with injuries.

The crash happened in Westmoreland County, around 30 miles (50km) east of Pittsburgh.

The crash closed the turnpike for an 86-mile (140km) stretch between New Stanton at Exit 75 and Breezewood at Exit 161, DeFebo tweeted.

A 'prolonged closure' of the turnpike is likely, DeFebo said. The tour bus flipped on its side, DeFebo told The Tribune-Review.

He said National Transportation Safety Board investigators were called to the scene.

Further details weren't immediately available.

The National Weather Service forecast for Westmoreland County early Sunday listed light unknown precipitation and an air temperature just below freezing.

DeFebo told the AP it was 'premature' to say if weather was a factor in the crash.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com