2 killed after multi-vehicle crash sends SUV off ramp near Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh
Two people were killed after five vehicles were involved in a crash near the Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh, sending an SUV down onto the road below on Wednesday afternoon. The ramp was closed for hours during rush hour.
PennDOT said the crash, which happened around 3 p.m., closed southbound Route 65 at the ramp to the Fort Duquesne Bridge. The crash has been cleared, and the road reopened shortly before 7 p.m.
An SUV involved in the crash flipped off the bridge and landed on Reedsdale Street on the North Side near Acrisure Stadium, killing the driver, authorities said. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office identified the driver as Michael Smith, 52, of Pittsburgh's Sheraden neighborhood.
Another person was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being extricated with the "jaws of life," but she later died, Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson Cara Cruz said. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office identified the woman as Danielle Jackman, 58, of Churchill.
No one else involved in the crash was injured. Authorities didn't say what led up to the crash, but Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said speed could have been involved.
"We're very early in the investigation, so I don't want to speculate, but we all know it takes a pretty significant amount of speed and force to flip over a bridge deck," Lando said. "I drive this route home every day, people are constantly flying by me on my way home, so please, just slow down. We want people to get home safely."
Crash snarls traffic ahead of rush hour
Lando said the crash was a "pretty complex scene" that caused "significant backups." The ramp from Route 65 into the city was closed for hours during rush hour while authorities investigated and cleaned up.
"Really a tragic scene here today at rush hour, probably lots of witnesses having to see this heartbreaking scene," Cruz said.
After the crash, four cars were still up on the bridge, with debris strewn all over the place. Cruz said the collision investigation unit was brought in to recreate the crash and learn more.
