Authorities in Pennsylvania are investigating a devastating early-morning crash that claimed the life of a woman on November 24 along the Parkway East. The collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. on I-376 near mile marker 73, close to the Hot Metal Bridge between the Oakland exit and the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. Two vehicles were involved, and the impact triggered a vehicle fire that shut down the eastbound lanes for several hours as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the crash began when an Infiniti sedan became disabled in the roadway due to mechanical trouble. The driver, who had activated her hazard lights and called for a tow truck, remained inside the vehicle while waiting for assistance. Moments later, an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup approached the area and struck the rear of the stationary Infiniti. Aerial footage captured by the KDKA Drone Team showed smoke billowing from the wreckage, with both vehicles heavily damaged in the middle of the interstate.
Witnesses told investigators that the driver of the pickup had changed lanes just before the collision. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi noted that statements described a “complete transition from one lane to another,” suggesting the driver may not have realized the disabled sedan was directly ahead. The force of the impact caused the Infiniti to ignite, trapping the driver inside. The pickup driver, along with two passing Pittsburgh police detectives, immediately attempted to rescue the woman, but the flames intensified too rapidly for them to reach her.
Emergency officials later confirmed that the victim, 40-year-old Keturah Griffin, died at the scene. The driver of the F-150 sustained minor injuries and received treatment. Authorities expressed their condolences to Griffin’s family as they begin to cope with the sudden and tragic loss. The investigation remains active as police review witness accounts, roadway evidence, and vehicle data to better understand the moments leading up to the crash.
Crashes like this underscore the significant dangers faced by disabled vehicles on high-speed roadways, particularly during low-visibility hours. Even with hazard lights activated, a stopped car may be difficult for approaching drivers to detect in time to avoid a collision. Sudden lane changes, driver distraction, and shifting traffic patterns contribute to many secondary crashes on Pennsylvania’s busiest routes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Families affected by deadly traffic incidents frequently struggle with emotional and financial burdens in the aftermath. Many seek legal guidance to understand their rights, navigate insurance questions, and ensure a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the crash. As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the community keeps the Griffin family in its thoughts during this heartbreaking time.
