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1 Dies After Tractor-Trailer Crashes Over Hillside In Jefferson Hills

JEFFERSON HILLS (KDKA) -- One person is dead after a tractor-trailer hauling a heavy load crashed over a hillside Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson Hills.

Police, firefighters and other first responders rushed to the scene just before 4 p.m. at Payne Hill Road and Jefferson Boulevard.

The crash brought power lines down in the area, which initially hindered the ability of officials to reach the vehicle.

Medicals later pronounced the driver, later identified as 64-year-old Joseph Norman Tanck, dead at the scene.

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(Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Ian Smith)
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(Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Ian Smith)

An investigation revealed that Tanck was traveling south on Payne Hill Road and failed a sharp turn.

The vehicle crashed through the guide rail, overturned and sheared a telephone pole.

According to emergency officials, the tractor-trailer was hauling some type of steel coils.

No other vehicles were involved.

Payne Hill Road was temporarily shut down between Jefferson Boulevard and State Route 885.

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(Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Tim Lawson)

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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