A tragic sequence of events unfolded on Interstate 79 in Butler County as a series of collisions involving at least 18 vehicles led to the closure of both directions of the highway and resulted in at least one fatality, according to reports from state officials. The impacted stretch spans from Exit 78 at PA 228 Cranberry/Mars to Exit 88 at US 19/PA 68 Zelienople for northbound traffic and from Exit 88 at US 19/PA 68 Zelienople to Exit 78 at US 19/PA 228 and Exit 77 for the Turnpike in the southbound direction, as WPXI reported.
Amid the treacherous winter conditions, PennDOT has enforced a precautionary speed limit restriction of 45 mph along the entirety of I-79 in Butler, stretching all the way to PA 5 in Erie, this as the state police continue their investigation into the cause of the multiple crashes, a long process that has involved insights from witnesses and the meticulous examination of the physical evidence scattered across the frozen asphalt, while drivers in the area have been advised to exercise extreme caution. As WTAE stated, officials have yet to release the identity of the individual who has perished in the accidents, taking place between the Evans City exit and the US 19/68 - Zelienople exit.
commuters urged to avoid the area. PennDOT has not yet released official detour routes, and officials say the roadway is expected to stay closed for several more hours while crews work to secure the site and reopen the busy route.
