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Charleroi Woman Killed In Access Vehicle Crash

MONESSEN (KDKA) -- An 84-year-old woman has died following an accident Monday in Westmoreland County.

The Washington County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Virginia Andrako of Charleroi. The cause of her death is pending an autopsy.

The crash happened around 4 p.m. Monday in the 1100-block of Donner Avenue in Monessen.

According to the coroner's office, Andrako was a passenger in a Tri-County Access vehicle when it struck a utility pole.

"Our mom was getting up in age, but this is not how we expected it to happen," said Andrako's son George. "It's more than tough."

Behind the wheel was 36-year-old Melissa Reece. She told police the right front wheel went flat and she lost control of the van.

Tri-County access declined to comment on Reece's status, but Shilia Gombita of the Washington County Transportation Authority says the driver is off the road pending investigation and the authority is cooperating fully with police.

She was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital emergency room for treatment, but died while being prepped for transportation to a hospital in Pittsburgh.

Andrako's son George was surrounded by family in the wake of her death Tuesday.

"There are still a lot of questions being answered we don't know," he said. "I'm sure it will come out eventually."

Monessen Police are investigating the crash.

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