Washington man dies in fiery wrong-way crash
A Washington man who was driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 was killed Tuesday night after crashing head-on into a tractor-trailer.
According to state police, the crash occurred at about 11:53 p.m. near mile marker 39 in Twilight Borough. Following the impact, the tractor-trailer caught fire, shutting down the westbound lanes of I-70 for about five hours.
State police identified the wrong-way driver as Chace Johnson, 25, of Washington, who was traveling east in the westbound passing lane. The operator of the tractor-trailer, Richard Shank, 34, of Carlisle, attempted to move into the right lane.
According to police, Johnson also changed lanes. Shank moved back to the passing lane before coming to a rest. He was not injured, but was taken to Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital for evaluation.
A report from Washington County Coroner Tim Warco states that Johnson was declared dead at the scene at 1:55 a.m. Wednesday. A cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. According to police, Johnson was not wearing a seat belt at the time.
State police continue to investigate. Also responding to the scene were fire departments from Charleroi, Belle Vernon, Fallowfield Township, Monessen, Stockdale, Lock 4, as well as Rostraver EMS and the Washington County Department of Public Safety.