2 killed in wrong-way fiery crash involving tractor-trailer on I-79

OHIO TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two people were killed in a fiery head-on crash on Interstate 79 early Thursday.

The crash happened in a construction zone between the Mount Nebo Road and Emsworth/Sewickley exits around 12:20 a.m. Three vehicles were involved, according to state police.

Photos from Chopper 11 over the scene

A tractor-trailer traveling south crossed the median and struck a vehicle head-on, pushing both vehicles into an embankment. The trailer of the truck struck a second vehicle traveling northbound, according to state police.

Both vehicles involved in the head-on collision became fully engulfed in flames and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the drivers was later identified as Frank L. Tupper Jr., 54, from Butler. The other driver was identified as Dhuria Lovely, 25, of Canada.

The other occupants were treated and taken to local hospitals. The extent of their injuries was not released.

Both directions of I-79 were closed for hours.

Video from a Channel 11 News photographer shows the smoldering remains of a burned-out truck on its roof in the northbound lanes.

Chopper 11 flew over the scene around 7:30 a.m., when a crane could be seen clearing debris from the road.

All lanes have reopened to traffic.

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