5 dead, dozens hospitalized in Pennsylvania Turnpike crash

Five people were killed and dozens injured early Sunday in a crash involving multiple vehicles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a transportation official said.

A tweet from Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo said the crash involved a tour bus, two tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.

DeFebo told The Associated Press that the Westmoreland County coroner confirmed five fatalities and said at least 60 people were hospitalised with injuries.

The crash happened in Westmoreland County, around 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh.

The crash closed the turnpike for an 86-mile (140-kilometer) stretch between New Stanton at Exit 75 and Breezewood at Exit 161, DeFebo tweeted.

A prolonged closure of the turnpike is likely, DeFebo said.

The tour bus flipped on its side, DeFebo told The Tribune-Review.

He said National Transportation Safety Board investigators were called to the scene.

Further details weren't immediately available.

The National Weather Service forecast for Westmoreland County early Sunday listed light unknown precipitation and an air temperature just below freezing. DeFebo told the AP it was premature to say if weather was a factor in the crash.