Driver killed when garbage truck overturns, crashes into several homes in Wilmerding

WILMERDING, Pa. — Hours after a garbage truck crashed into two houses at the intersection of Patton and Jefferson streets, there are still remnants of the deadly crash, including a collapsed porch and piles of mangled debris.

PHOTOS: Driver killed when garbage truck overturns, crashes into several homes in Wilmerding

“It’s disastrous,” said Joe Servocky, who lives in the area. “A lot of damage (to) two houses.”

Neighbors told Channel 11 that a family had just moved into the house on the corner. Two kids were asleep in the home, but luckily, they were not hurt.

Allegheny County police said just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, the 47-year-old driver of the truck was trying to turn from Jefferson Street onto Patton Street when he lost control. He did not survive the crash.

The driver has been identified as Dana Rodericks of Delmont.

“My heart goes out to the family, definitely,” said Tamara Prunty, who lives in the area. “If it’s your time, it’s your time, even no matter how tragic it can be. I keep my prayers up for everyone here.”

The Wilmerding fire marshal, Al Hussey, said crews dealt with multiple issues, trying to flip over the truck for more than six hours while working to make sure neither building collapsed. The garbage truck also ruptured a gas line, crashing down on top of the gas shut-offs. The entire block had to be evacuated until those lines could be shut off.

“Our main goal is to be proactive and prevent an incident before it happens,” Hussey said. “Everybody did a good job to come together in a tough situation.”

People passing by lined up along Patton Street all day to look at the damage firsthand and take pictures. Some of those we spoke with said speeding is a problem in this area.

“People just fly up and down this here, especially the people coming down the hill don’t have a chance to get across,” Servocky said.

Crews secured the inside of one home for hours so the homeowner could come in and get her family’s belongings. The blue house next door has been vacant. Both houses are scheduled to be demolished.

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