by A devastating accident on Interstate 70 claimed the lives of a mother and her young daughter on Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed.
The fatal two-vehicle collision occurred just after 1 p.m. near mile marker 6 on the westbound side of I-70, close to the Pennsylvania state line.
According to investigators, a Toyota Camry was heading westbound when the driver lost control. The vehicle crossed the center median, plunging down a 20-foot embankment and entering the eastbound lanes, where it was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer.
Trooper Rocco Gagliardi described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy. “We’re working around the clock to determine what led to the crash—whether it was due to improper restraints, car seat use, or possible impairment,” he said.
The impact caused the Camry to spin, ejecting the mother and toddler from the vehicle. The force of the collision also pushed the tractor-trailer off the roadway, causing it to strike a nearby occupied home. Thankfully, those inside the house were evaluated and released by medical personnel.
The mother, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her young daughter was rushed to a local hospital but later died from her injuries.
Authorities noted that neither the mother nor the driver—believed to be the child’s father—were wearing seatbelts. Additionally, the toddler was not secured in a car seat at the time of the crash.
The father was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment and is currently undergoing interviews as part of the ongoing investigation.
Washington County Coroner Tim Warco confirmed that three people were in the Camry and reiterated the importance of seatbelt and car seat safety.
Trooper Gagliardi reflected on the emotional toll of the crash, especially given the date—Mother’s Day. “All fatalities are hard, but when it involves a child and a parent on such a meaningful day, it weighs even heavier on first responders,” he said.
Eastbound lanes of I-70 reopened with a single-lane restriction just before 4:30 p.m. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
