BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — One person was killed and nine others were injured in a massive 25-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Butler County on Friday, authorities said.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred on northbound I-79 in Jackson Township, prompting the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes between Exit 78 and Exit 88 from approximately 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The victim was identified as 18-year-old Evan Gingo of Pittsburgh. In addition to the 25 vehicles directly involved, at least 20 more were stranded on the highway due to the pileup. The conditions of the nine injured individuals have not been released.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as vehicles spun out of control on rapidly changing road conditions. Wendy Graff, who was traveling with her husband in a dump truck, said, “Cars, SUVs, and tractor-trailers were sideways across the road and the hillside. The snow-covered and icy roads came as a complete surprise, and we slid for about 200 feet before regaining control.”
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions. Detours redirected drivers to State Route 19 into Zelienople, resulting in major delays in the borough.
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and have not released additional details at this time.
