Driver killed in crash was Avella man
A man pronounced dead at the scene of a Smith Township crash Wednesday night has been identified as Edward P. Hayes, 61, of Avella.
According to a report released by Washington County Coroner Tim Warco, Hayes was traveling south in the 1300 block of Route 18 in Smith Township at 7:09 p.m. when his pickup truck crossed the center line, striking another vehicle.
Hayes reportedly was not wearing a seat belt. A medical helicopter was initially called to the scene but was canceled, said Smith Township police Chief Bernie LaRue.
The driver of the other car was identified on social media as Shannon Briggs of Burgettstown, who is 4½ months pregnant. Briggs was taken to a local hospital with unspecified injuries.
Traffic in both directions was stopped for hours as crews worked to clear debris. LaRue said the cause of the accident is under investigation. Slovan and Mt. Pleasant volunteer fire departments assisted at the scene.
It was the second fatal accident on Route 18 in the last three weeks and the fourth fatality on area roads so far in 2016.