WESTMORELAND COUNTY — Three-Vehicle Crash on Route 66 Sends One to Hospital by Helicopter

Westmoreland County, PA – One person was flown to the hospital on Tuesday morning following a three-vehicle crash along Route 66 in Washington Township that shut down a portion of the roadway for hours.

Washington Township police confirmed the crash occurred in the southbound lane along Route 66 near Meyer’s Schreck RV around 10:30 a.m. The crash appeared to have involved three vehicles, including an SUV, a truck, and a dump truck. One person was flown to the hospital as a result of the crash, though the extent of their injuries has not been made public and it is unclear if anyone else was injured.

A portion of the road remained closed for hours as crews worked to clear the scene. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating alongside local authorities.

The Dangers of Multi-Vehicle Crashes Involving Different Vehicle Types

Three-vehicle crashes often result in complex collision dynamics, especially when they involve vehicles of significantly different sizes like SUVs, trucks, and dump trucks. The weight and size disparities between these vehicle types can lead to severe damage and serious injuries, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles.

When multiple vehicles are involved in a crash, the potential for catastrophic injuries increases dramatically. Occupants can be struck by debris, crushed between colliding vehicles, or suffer injuries from multiple impacts. The physics of these crashes often result in devastating consequences, especially when commercial vehicles like dump trucks are involved.

The decision to transport a victim by helicopter indicates the severity of at least one person’s injuries and the need for immediate specialized medical care. Air medical transport is typically reserved for the most critical cases where time is essential for survival and recovery.

Route 66 Safety Challenges

Route 66 in Westmoreland County serves as an important corridor connecting communities and providing access to commercial areas. The presence of businesses like Meyer’s Schreck RV along the route creates additional traffic patterns with vehicles entering and exiting the roadway, potentially contributing to crash risks.

The extended closure for hours demonstrates how serious crashes can disrupt daily life in communities where alternate routes may be limited. Commuters, emergency services, and local businesses all feel the impact of major highway closures.

Legal Rights After Multi-Vehicle Crashes

When multiple vehicles are involved in crashes on Pennsylvania highways, determining liability can be complex. Multiple insurance companies, varying degrees of fault among drivers, and serious injuries all complicate the legal landscape.

Victims may face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs, while navigating the legal process requires experienced representation as insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame between multiple parties involved in complex crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Pennsylvania, or if you’ve lost a family member in a fatal accident, the experienced attorneys at Munley Law are here to help.

Contact Munley for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve during this difficult time.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.