UPDATE: The man who died in the traffic crash on Route 22 Penn View Mountain this morning has been identified as Perry W. Bonasso, 57, of Coraopolis. The official cause of death has not yet been released by Indiana County Coroner Jerry L. Overman, Jr.
Bonasso was identified by Overman Jr. at the scene. Bonasso was the driver of a tractor-trailer while traveling westbound on Route 22 Highway East when he struck the rear-end of another tractor-trailer, causing severe damage and fire to Bonasso’s vehicle. An autopsy was performed along with toxicology testing. Preliminary autopsy results indicated Bonasso may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash.
The call came into Indiana County 911 at 04:49 am this morning. Pennsylvania State Police from the Indiana Barracks also investigated the accident. Black Lick VFD, Blairsville VFD, Clyde VFD and Citizens’ Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
This information comes from Overman’s official release.
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Emergency crews are currently investigating a fatal traffic crash that happened early this morning in Burrell Township.
Crews from Blairsville, Black Lick, Clyde and Armagh fire departments are on the scene now on Route 22 on Penn View Mountain. Ab Dettorre of the Blairsville Fire Department confirmed that the crash was a fatal crash involving two trucks, with one of them on fire. Route 22 between Routes 56 and 119 is currently closed and will remain closed for an extended period of time. Homer City Fire Department was also called in to standby for Black Lick and Blairsville Fire Departments.
Few other details are available on this incident, but as soon as we get more information, we will pass it on to you.