Police: Driver may have fallen asleep before crash
BUTLER TWP — Police said a driver possibly fell asleep at the wheel Tuesday afternoon before his car traveled across Route 68 and struck a tree.
The Harrisville man, believed to be in his 30s or 40s, was later taken by Butler Ambulance Service to an unspecified Pittsburgh hospital with apparent minor injuries, authorities said.
The man was traveling east on Route 68 around 12:30 p.m. when he lost control of his Ford Fusion, according to Butler Township police. The car crossed the westbound lane, traveled up an embankment and struck a tree, ending on its side.
Authorities said he was still in the car when emergency crews arrived. He told police that he fell asleep while driving, having worked late the following night.
An accident report was not immediately available and police did not release his name. It was not known where he was going when the crash occurred.
Because of the wreck, traffic was restricted to one lane around the scene between South Eberhart and Oakdale roads for about 30 minutes. The car was eventually towed away.
Police said the driver would likely be cited for careless driving.
