Deadly, Fiery Crash Closes Route 22 In Indiana County

WEST WHEATFIELD TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A fiery crash left two people dead and shut down Route 22 in Indiana County Sunday night.

According to Indiana County emergency dispatchers, the crash happened near the Clay Pike intersection and involved a tractor-trailer and two cars.

Two men were killed in the crash. They have been identified as Matthew Hess, 30, of Girard, and Richard Lowers Jr., 56, of New Florence.

According to the coroner, both were traveling east on Route 22, when Hess rear-ended Lowers. As a result of the impact, Lowers' car burst into flames. Meanwhile, Hess' vehicle continued into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer. Hess' vehicle and the tractor-trailer also caught on fire.

Hess and Lowers were said to have died instantly. The tractor-trailer driver was transported to IRMC, but their condition is unknown.

The road was shut down in both directions in West Wheatfield Township. As of 1:30 a.m., just the eastbound lanes remained closed.

This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more information.

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