One person has died after a two-vehicle crash caused delays on Route 8 South in both directions in Butler Township on Tuesday morning, with one driver reportedly trapped inside a mangled vehicle as emergency crews responded to the scene. Traffic was delayed in both directions as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Confirmed Death, Conflicting Details on Timing and Location
Police have confirmed to WBUT that one person died in the crash, which involved two vehicles. According to the station, the wreck happened just after 7:30 a.m. on Route 8 South about a quarter mile south of the Picklegate Bridge, near the Greater Butler Mart. The initial call indicated one person was heavily entrapped, with a second vehicle also sustaining serious damage. A separate account from WPXI placed the initial call around 7:40 a.m. near Pittsburgh Road and Litman Road, reporting that two vehicles, each carrying one person, were involved and that one of the drivers died.
Highway Shut Down, Traffic Backed Up for Miles
The crash caused delays on Route 8 South in both directions in Butler Township. Traffic was significantly delayed between the Picklegate Bridge and Decatur Drive as emergency crews worked the scene. Drivers faced delays in both directions, with traffic reduced to single lanes.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation separately confirmed a closure of Route 8 between Litman Road and McCalmont Road/Vogel Road in Butler Township. The agency's notice, posted on its official newsroom page, did not detail when crews expected the roadway to reopen.
Investigation Ongoing
The Butler Township Police Department is investigating the crash, though the cause has not been determined. The person who died was identified as Michael Harris, 50, of Butler. Tyler Friel reported the crash details for WBUT.
