A teenage girl died in a two-vehicle crash involving a Serra Catholic school van Wednesday morning in Dravosburg, authorities said.
The 15-year-old girl, Samantha Lee Kalkbrenner, was pronounced dead at the scene, Allegheny County Police said. Three other juveniles were taken to the hospital in stable condition. Police said their injuries “do not appear to be life-threatening.”
Two adults were taken to hospitals in critical condition, police said.
The crash, which involved the school van and a Volkswagen Jetta, happened about 7:25 a.m. near the intersection of Richland Avenue and Third Street, police said.
Investigators said they believe the van was making a left turn from Third Street onto Richland Avenue, a four-lane road, when it was struck by the Jetta, which was heading north on Richland Avenue.
Richland Avenue leads onto the Mansfield Bridge and into McKeesport. The scene of the crash is about 4 miles from the private Catholic high school.
In a statement, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, which runs Serra Catholic, said school administrators have been “working to comfort school families and each other.” Counselors are available for those in need and the school will remain closed through the week. The school serves just over 300 students in grades 9 through 12.
“At a time like this we become aware of how precious life is and how important it is to support each other not only during tragedy but always,” Bishop David Zubik said in the statement.
Serra Catholic also released a statement saying school officials gathered students and faculty together in prayer immediately after the crash. Classes and activities are canceled through Sunday. Teachers and grief counselors will be available Thursday at the school for any student wanting to talk with someone. A prayer service is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday on campus.
“As we move forward as a school community, let us pray for the life that was lost and for her family, friends and loved ones,” the school said in its statement. “May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Amy Kovka was smoking a cigarette outside the Dravosburg Mini Mart Wednesday morning when she saw the Serra Catholic van drive down Third Street and then turn onto Richland.
"The bus driver sat there for a couple minutes because this road is crazy," Ms. Kovka said. "When the bus driver pulled out ... a car come up and just, ‘bam.’ Parts went flying everywhere. I ran in and called 911."
Both vehicles were heavily damaged, with airbags deployed in both. A door on the Jetta was ripped off, pieces of it scattered among the large field of debris. Windows of the school van were shattered.
Ms. Kovka, who lives in Dravosburg and works at the convenience store located in a strip mall near the intersection of Third and Richland, said there are frequent crashes on the busy road.
Many Dravosburg residents who gathered at the mini mart throughout the morning expressed anger and frustration that nothing has been done to slow vehicles that often speed along Richland Avenue, and several people called on the county to make changes.
The posted speed limit is 40 mph.
"We need something done before another life is taken," Ms. Kovka said.
BREAKING- multiple vehicle accident on Elizabeth Road and Third Street in Dravosburg. Road is closed. Detour around. Working to learn more. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/HH3kdVGTbr
— Christopher DeRose (@ChrisDeRoseTV) September 20, 2023
First Published: September 20, 2023, 1:08 p.m.
Updated: September 21, 2023, 11:12 a.m.
