Minivan Plunges Down Hillside In Jefferson Hills

JEFFERSON HILLS (KDKA) -- Two people survived after their minivan plunged 150 feet over an embankment in Jefferson Hills.

It all started shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Jefferson Medical Arts Building when they were unable to stop their minivan from accelerating.

The driver says he tried hitting the brakes, but couldn't stop the vehicle which ended up going through the parking lot, down a steep hillside, across Coal Valley Road where it took out a guardrail before finally stopping above a creek.

"It was a very challenging [extraction] because where it was – it was on a steep grade, didn't have good traction, good footing, but you know, you adapt and overcome," Brian Hess, with Jefferson Fire & Rescue, said.

The 77-year-old man who was driving and the woman in the van were lifted to waiting ambulances using ropes and baskets. It was only then that firefighters got a good look at the couple's wild ride.

"It was pretty shocking, the road they actually took," Hess said.

One of the victims was flown to a local hospital. The other was taken by ambulance. They are both in stable condition.

Their names have not been released.

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