A 14-year old student and a 31-year old bus driver were tragically killed yesterday on Interstate 79, according to reports by the Butler County deputy coroner.
What Happened
The tragic accident occurred near the intersection of I-79 and Route 422 in Muddy Creek Township when the school bus collided with the back of a tractor-trailer traveling northbound. The students involved in the crash are reportedly from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and were reportedly on their way home from school when the accident occurred.
Medical helicopters arrived on the scene and transported five teens to Children’s Hospital where they were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. According to eyewitness testimony, a student on the back of the bus had the emergency exit open, which allowed all the students who weren’t trapped to be able to easily escape. It’s reported that many of the students provided comfort to one another and were seen hugging each other as the scene unfolded.
Eyewitness testimony also confirms that approximately 10 bystanders, many of them teachers from the school, got out of their cars to help. Leslie and Eric Bohrer, two bystanders who came across the crash shortly after it happened, told Erie News Now that two girls were trapped on the bus. According to his interview with Erie News Now, Mr. Bohrer sat with the two girls until the paramedics arrived. Firefighters reportedly had to physically cut the girls out of the bus.
As of publication, no official word has been given as to what caused the accident. The investigation is still ongoing.
Not the First Accident to Occur on Interstate 79 This Week
Unfortunately, this is not the only accident to occur on Interstate 79 this week. A fatal accident occurred several days ago when a car, box truck, and 18-wheeler were traveling southbound when all three of their cars spun out and ended up in the middle of the highway. One person was tragically killed in the accident and an investigation remains open into how it was caused.
One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Pennsylvania
While Interstate 79 is often used by travelers looking to get to and from Lake Erie all the way down to West Virginia, it has earned a reputation for being one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Pennsylvania. Interstate 79 is chock-full of dangerous twists and turns and it is notorious for distracted driving.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Bus Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bus accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Matzus Law, LLC represent clients injured because of bus accidents in Pittsburgh, Butler, Greenburg, Washington, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 206-5300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 3210, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219.
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