5th Victim Dies from Armstrong County Crash
SOUTH BEND TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Friday morning, we learned a 5th victim has passed away from injuries suffered in a violent crash in Armstrong County.
The Armstrong County Coroner says that 34 year old Kent Smith passed away at 11 p.m. Thursday at UMPC Presbyterian Hospital.
Two others remain in critical condition, Smith's brother Robert Kelley and Kristy Ann Schall.
According to police, the accident happened around 10:20 p.m. on Route 156 in South Bend Township.
KDKA's Christine D'Antonio Reports:
Brandon Sulava, 19, of Apollo, lost control of his 2003 Ford Mustang, crossed the center line and struck an oncoming Chevrolet Lumina head-on.
"I heard this loud screech," said Jarrod Barry, a witness. "Nothing just sounds like that, there's something that happened. I ran back down and my dad was screaming, 'Call 911! Someone was in an accident.'"
Sulava was pronounced dead at the scene along with 15-year-old Brandon Sauers and 18-year-old Brieyonah Painter, who were passengers in the car.
The Lumina's driver, Crystal Kelley, 41, of Avonmore, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Speed is believed to be a factor.
KDKA's Ross Guidotti Reports:
"A Ford Mustang was traveling at a high-rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle, the back end of the vehicle began to slide into the other lane," said Trooper Dan Kesten, of Pennsylvania State Police. "The Mustang did cross into the other lane and was struck broadside by an oncoming car."
An accident reconstruction team was on scene most of the night.
"It looked like the car exploded," said Barry. "How are there two cars involved? If you see that, you would just not believe there were two cars there."
KDKA's Ross Guidotti Reports:
Rout 156 remained closed at Cemetery Hill Road for more than eight hours after the crash.
The coroner and sheriff were still notifying families Thursday morning.
They said it is one of the most horrific crashes they've ever seen.
Toxicology tests will be done as part of planned autopsies.
State police out of the Kittanning barracks are investigating.
KDKA's Trina Orlando Reports:
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