BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — Firefighters in Beaver County said a flash freeze caused by steam from the Beaver Valley power station led to a fatal accident Wednesday.
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Emergency responders said one person was killed in the crash on the Shippingport Bridge around 7 a.m. Police said three cars were involved in the crash.
“There was a pickup truck heading in the direction toward Midland. Two vehicles, a passenger car and another pickup were coming this way from Midland. The vehicle heading [toward Midland] lost control on the ice and spun around and hit the first vehicle,” said Shippingport Assistant Fire Chief Mike Kilcoyne.
Kilcoyne said similar accidents have happened on the bridge this winter.
“It’s a bridge. It’s wintertime. It’s a bridge next to two stacks that make moisture. Unfortunately, it happens fast. It’s like a flash freeze,” Kilcoyne said.
The name of the man killed in the crash has not been released.
In January 2013, the Beaver County Power Station also caused an isolated snow storm.
Within the affected area, there were reports of an inch or two of snow falling. It quickly covered the roads and caused major traffic delays.
The cooling towers emit warm, moist air, a National Weather Service meteorologist said, and caused the snow storm as it was being released into very cold, dry air. Read more HERE.
A company spokesperson released the following statement Wednesday: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of this tragedy today. This happened on a public roadway, police are investigating, and we don't have any additional information.”