A late-night drive on Route 981 in Unity Township turned tragic Saturday when a two-vehicle collision left a 59-year-old woman dead, authorities said. Investigators identified the victim as Kimberly Ohler. Emergency crews were called to the state highway around 11:15 p.m., and Ohler was taken to a hospital, where she later died. The driver in the second vehicle had minor injuries and declined medical transport, according to officials.
Pennsylvania State Police told WPXI that troopers responded to the scene after the crash and that investigators remained there working to piece together what happened. As of Sunday morning, officials had not released more details about what led up to the collision. The Westmoreland County coroner is expected to share additional findings once they are finalized.
Route 981 safety work and traffic context
Route 981 has been under the microscope in recent years as part of the multi-year Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project, which the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says is intended to realign hazardous stretches and install safety upgrades along the corridor. The project website for the Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project highlights ongoing lane restrictions and reconstruction work in parts of Westmoreland County aimed at cutting down on crashes and improving sightlines for drivers.
Investigation ongoing
State police said the crash remains under investigation and urged anyone with information to contact the agency. As reported by WPXI, no charges have been announced, and the name of the second driver has not been made public.
Traffic on Route 981 was temporarily disrupted while first responders and investigators worked the scene. Drivers are being asked to use extra caution in the area. This story will be updated if state police or the coroner release further information.
