A construction zone on Interstate 79 near Neville Island was the scene of a fatal crash that shut down both directions of the highway early Thursday morning.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, a semitrailer heading south veered into the northbound lanes and collided with another vehicle around midnight. The impact sent both vehicles into an embankment, where they caught fire and killed the drivers.
Another vehicle traveling north was hit by the trailer of the semitrailer, injuring several other motorists who were taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries was unknown.
The crash closed all lanes between the Mt. Nebo Road (68) and Emsworth/Sewickley (66) exits until about 6 a.m., when the southbound lanes reopened. One northbound lane reopened around 8 a.m.
The construction zone is part of a $43.9 million project that involves rehabilitating the bridge over the Ohio River near Neville Island and other improvements on the I-79 “S-Bend” section. The project includes paving, signage, lighting, and bridge preservation over Clever Road and Route 51