7 Injured In Major Downtown Crash
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A major crash was reported in Downtown Pittsburgh Saturday.
It happened near 9th Street and Liberty Avenue around 6:30 p.m., right near the stage set up for Kesha's performance at the Pride in the Streets celebration.
The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety said a woman driving a Saturn sedan down 9th Street lost control when she turned onto Liberty Avenue, hitting two pedestrians and a Ford Explorer. A Port Authority bus shelter was destroyed. A Kia Forte occupied by one person was also struck.
"We heard screeching noises from the corner and heard a big crash... It happened so fast," said witness Kenny Harrison. He was one of several medical professionals who just happened to be nearby.
Seven people were inured. Three, including driver who initiated incident, were taken to UPMC Mercy in stable condition. Two were taken to UPMC Presbyterian with injuries from glass and debris. Two were taken to Allegheny General Hospital and are in critical condition.
Harrison helped a woman who had a gaping laceration in her leg.
"First thing I thought of was take off my shirt, put pressure. I tied my outfit onto the lady for pressure," he said.
City Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich was also an eyewitness. KDKA's Kym Gable asked him about the civilians who came to the victims' aid before medics arrived.
"Numerous lacerations and they were able to control some of the bleeding. I had two individuals come up to me and say they were nurses or physicians and ask what they could do."
Police Chief Cameron McLay said it could have been much worse.
"We're extremely fortunate the cars came this direction rather than into the event area where there were hundreds lined up trying to get in."
None of the injuries were life-threatening. It is not clear if any charges will be filed.
This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more information.
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