Witnesses involved in sudden crashes that shut down Interstate 79 in Butler County on Friday said road conditions were fine and then suddenly snow and ice sent vehicles sliding in every direction.
Authorities confirmed one person died after at least 25 vehicles were involved in multiple accidents on the northbound lanes of the highway.
Pennsylvania State Police identified the victim as Evan Gingo, 18. He was a recent graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and was a freshman at Slippery Rock University.
Nine other people were taken to hospitals with injuries, according to state police.
The state police Butler barracks investigated multiple crashes in the area of the Zelienople and Evans City exits. I-79 was closed mid-morning between the 80- and 88-mile marker, officials said. It reopened in both directions about 4 p.m.
Troopers said Mr. Gingo died after the car he was driving plowed into a trailer being towed by another vehicle, a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, that “came upon the prior crashes on I-79, forcing [the Silverado] to slow to a stop.”
Mr. Gingo’s vehicle, a 2022 Subaru Impreza, “lost tire traction due to roadway conditions and ultimately slid into” the Silverado’s trailer, state police wrote in their incident report.
Troopers said Mr. Gingo, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Silverado driver was not injured, the report said.
David Wilmer, vice president for student affairs at Slippery Rock University, said Mr. Gingo was an exercise science major at the university. Mr. Wilmer said counseling will be available for students, faculty and staff affected by Mr. Gingo’s death.