Dozens Of Accidents Caused By Icy Road Conditions
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Rain is moving into the area, and in some places that is making roads icy, and causing accidents. In Butler County, there have been approximately 50 accidents caused by the icy conditions. Pennsylvania State Police are asking drivers to stay off the roads in Butler County if possible.
"I think it took all forecasters by surprise," KDKA meteorologist Dennis Bowman said.
Although temperatures outside are above freezing, the pavement is colder than the air and mixes with the rain to create an icy surface.
In Butler Township, Police responded to a truck carrying explosives that slid off the road.
It happened around 10 a.m. on Route 44.
Butler Township Police say that in the hour prior, many of the roads have iced over.
The truck is carrying explosives, but no injuries have been reported and police say there are no evacuations at this time.
The coroner has also been called to the scene of an accident involving a tractor trailer and a car in Connoquenesing Township in Butler County.
There are also reports of a crash in Lancaster Township, but no further information is available.
PennDot sent out a travel advisory with details on roads that are closed.
Indiana – Motorists are advised that state routes are closed as a result of crashes due to icing conditions.
Armstrong County
• Multiple crashes have occurred in the county. Currently no roadways are closed.
Butler County
State Route 422 East is closed in both directions in Summit Township from Heist Road to Carbon Center Road due to a vehicle crash.
Multiple crashes exist within the SR 422 corridor, but no other roads are currently closed.
Clarion County
• Multiple crashes have occurred in the county. Currently no roadways are closed.
Indiana County
• State Route 286 is closed in both directions in the area of Bennett Road, Montgomery Township., Indiana County due to a crash with fuel spill. Local roadways are being used for a detour.
• State Route 210 is closed in both directions at Rossmoyne Road in South Mahoning Township due to a multi-vehicle crash.
Jefferson County
• Interstate 80 East is closed between the Sigel/Brookville Exit (PA 36) and the Hazen Exit (PA 28) due to a multi-vehicle crash. Traffic is being detoured off I-80 East at Exit 78 to SR 36 south to SR 28 North and back on to I-80 East.
PennDOT crews have been out salting roadways, the cold rain and freezing temperatures has caused icing conditions throughout the five counties.
The Butler Transit Authority says buses are experiencing delays in the bus schedule because of the icy conditions. The schedules will resume to normal as soon as possible.
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