Van overturns, catches fire on Interstate 79
WORTH TWP — A teenager was taken to the hospital following a fiery crash early Tuesday morning on Interstate 79 in northern Butler County, authorities said.
The wreck occurred around 3:20 a.m. when the driver, a female believed to be 17 or 18, lost control of her southbound sport utility vehicle in Worth Township, according to emergency crews.
The vehicle overturned, struck a guardrail and caught fire.
Slippery Rock volunteer firefighters arrived and reported that the SUV was “fully involved” in flames, but the driver — the lone occupant — was out of the vehicle.
It appeared the teen had only minor injuries, Slippery Rock Fire Chief Ryan Hanchosky said. She reportedly had been heading to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
A Slippery Rock EMS crew tended to her before she was taken to Grove City Medical Center. Her condition was not known.
Crews quickly extinguished the blaze. Both southbound lanes were closed for about 30 minutes.
The vehicle was “a total loss,” Hanchosky said.
State police are investigating but an accident report was not available Tuesday. Emergency crews were back at their stations about 4:30 a.m.
