1 Dead In Shippingport Bridge Crash During Intense Snow Squall
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INDUSTRY (KDKA) – A nasty looking crash shut down the Shippingport Bridge for about three hours Tuesday. The crash involved a white Chevy Cobalt with Ohio plates and a truck from Rawson Trucking out of Toronto, Ohio.
"Everything became very slick and we believe that was one of the major factors as the cause of the accident," said officer Ken Stahl with Beaver Police.
Police said a snow squall came through the area literally right before the crash happened.
"The vehicle was coming from the Midland area to go across the Shippingport Bridge. It appeared to have lost control, and slid into the path of an oncoming tri axle," said Stahl. "The vehicle turned sideways and the passenger side of the vehicle hit the front end of the tri axle head on.
Police said the passenger, a female, was dead when emergency crews got to the scene. The driver was taken to Heritage Valley Medical Center to be treated for unknown injuries. The driver of the truck was not hurt, but visibly shaken up.
"This is a spot known for some pretty rough accidents. Also along 68 here," said Stahl.
When you add bad weather to the mix, police urge drivers to be extra cautious.
"Anytime you have changing weather coming through especially this time of year, especially with bridges, take time to go extra slow and pay very close attention to what your wheels are doing and what you feel feedback from your vehicle," said Stahl.
Police said it's unclear if the driver of the Cobalt was speeding at this time. The identity of the passenger has not been released by the coroner yet. The family has been notified.
PennDot said crews have been out treating the roadways in Beaver County since midnight.
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