Local

Multi-vehicle accident shuts down I-79 in Washington County; 2 hospitalized

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — Interstate 79 in Washington County was shut down Tuesday afternoon after a multi-vehicle accident that sent at least two people to the hospital.

Authorities at the scene told Channel 11 News that a driver going north on I-79 lost control of his car, crossed the median and went into the southbound lanes. He then hit an SUV head-on causing a chain reaction crash.

Officials said a tractor trailer couldn’t get out of the way in time and hit the car that crossed the median.

The driver of the car was partially ejected. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital by ambulance. The driver of the SUV was also taken to an area hospital.

Their names and conditions have not been released.

The southbound lanes from the Southpointe Exit were closed while crews worked to clear the scene. They reopened about 4 p.m.

Southbound traffic was backed up for miles and onlooker delays also affected the northbound lanes.

The incident remains under investigation.