Fatal Saturday Traffic Accident in Greene Township

GREENE TOWNSHIP – An elderly Westmoreland County woman lost her life Saturday morning when the car she was riding in went out of control and collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 80.

The victim was identified as Doris Smalley, 82, of Greensburg. She was pronounced dead at the scene near Mount Riansares Road by Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna following the 9:39 a.m. Saturday accident.

Investigating officer Damon Braniff reported that the victim was a passenger in a west-bound sedan operated by Philip Smalley, 82, also of Greensburg. The police report said the driver was attempting to pass a rig operated by Corey Rook of Campbell, NY. As Smalley was passing the rig, he lost control of his vehicle. It then slid sideways on I-80 west and was struck on the front passenger side by the rig. The Smalley vehicle was then pushed into the guide rail on the south side of the roadway. The driver side of the Smalley vehicle was pinned against the guide rail, the right rear corner of the trailing unit of the rig pinned against the passenger side of the Smalley vehicle.

Police said Philip Smalley suffered a suspected minor injury, the rig operator unhurt. Police said both Smalleys and Rook were wearing seatbelts. The interstate was under a reduced speed limit posting at the time of the accident.

State police were assisted by Lock Haven EMS, Goodwill Fire and Hose, Sugar Valley EMS, PennDOT and Valley Collision.