An early-morning rollover on Interstate 80 in Clarion Township left a 64-year-old Emlenton man dead Friday, briefly shutting down westbound traffic while emergency crews worked the scene. State police later identified the driver and said he was not wearing a seatbelt.
State police release details
According to ButlerRadio, Pennsylvania State Police say the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, on the westbound I-80 in Clarion Township. Troopers identified the driver as 64-year-old Edward Hillard of Emlenton.
Investigators told exploreClarion that Hillard’s vehicle drifted off the right shoulder, then overcorrected into the center median, where it struck an embankment and rolled over. Hillard was not wearing a seatbelt and died of his injuries. Troopers have not released additional information about weather, possible impairment, or other contributing factors, and their investigation is ongoing.
I-80 safety and recent detours
The same stretch of I-80 has seen multiple crashes and short-term closures this winter and spring, leading to recurring traffic advisories and detours for drivers. PennDOT has issued several District 10 notices in recent months about lane closures and speed restrictions while crews and emergency responders cleared separate incidents along the highway.
Troopers have not announced any charges related to Friday’s crash. Our thoughts are with Hillard’s family and the first responders who handled the scene.
