1 Dead, 2 Injured In Westmoreland Co. Multi-Vehicle Crash
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – At least one person died and several people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Washington Township, Westmoreland County Monday morning.
According to emergency dispatchers, the accident happened near the intersection of Route 66 and Poke Run Church Road around 8:52 a.m.
"One car stopped to make a left. The car behind him didn't stop. The car behind that vehicle didn't stop and a 4th vehicle didn't stop," Washington Township Police Chief Scott Slagle said. "The 5th car came along and swerved into oncoming traffic and a pickup heading northbound on 66 hit the vehicle."
At least six vehicles were involved and several people were taken to Forbes Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
John E. Ghrist, 50, was the lone operator of a vehicle forced into oncoming traffic.
He was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
A portion of Route 66 remained closed for hours.
Police fear the cause of the accident may be someone not paying attention to the road.
"Drive. Don't do anything else. Don't text. Don't look, don't do anything, pay attention to your driving to whats going on in front of you," Slagle said.
Stay With KDKA.com For More Details
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter