5 killed, about 60 hospitalized in Pa. Turnpike crash

The crash caused all lanes to be closed in both directions on the highway between the Breezewood and New Stanton exits, roughly an 86-mile stretch of roadway.

One patient was in critical condition, and 10 are in fair condition, Waite said. She said nine of the patients are children. Somerset Hospital in Somerset received 18 victims - 12 adults and six minors - who were all treated and released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

"I haven't personally witnessed a crash of this magnitude in 20 years", Pennsylvania Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo told WTAE, calling it the worst accident in his decades-long tenure with the turnpike.

The crash happened around 3:34 a.m. on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Mount Pleasant Township southeast of Pittsburgh, the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety said.

But "at this point no decision has been made as to whether or not the NTSB will investigate the crash", O'Neil said.

"You're less than 10 miles away from the steepest part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike".

The precise cause of the crash is still under investigation and can not yet be confirmed.

DeFebo said despite the lengthy closures, fewer motorists than average will be affected.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that those hospitals were Excela Health Frick Hospital, Forbes Hospital and locations of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "We just don't know", he said. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board are reportedly on the scene.

DeFebo did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Rep. Maxine Waters thought she was talking to Greta Thunberg.

Limani would not identify those killed or say which vehicles they were traveling in because families have not yet been notified. Now two are missing.