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1 Killed, 9 Injured in Massive 25-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 79 in Butler County, Pennsylvania

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Butler County left one person dead and nine others injured on Friday, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Authorities said the crash involved 25 vehicles and occurred on the northbound lanes of I-79 in Jackson Township. The severity of the incident forced officials to shut down both northbound and southbound lanes between Exit 78 and Exit 88 for several hours, beginning around 10:30 a.m. The roadway did not fully reopen until approximately 4 p.m.

Victim Identified, Dozens Stranded on I-79

State police identified the fatal victim as 18-year-old Evan Gingo of Pittsburgh. In addition to the vehicles directly involved in the pileup, at least 20 other vehicles were stranded on the interstate as a result of the crash.

The conditions of the nine injured individuals have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic, Icy Conditions

Drivers at the scene described sudden and dangerous road conditions that quickly spiraled out of control. Wendy Graff, who was traveling with her husband in a dump truck, recalled the terrifying moments leading up to the crash.

“Cars, SUVs, and tractor-trailers were sideways across the road and the hillside,” Graff said. “The snow-covered and icy roads came as a complete surprise, and we slid for about 200 feet before regaining control.”

Rapidly changing winter weather is believed to have played a significant role in the crash, though officials have not yet confirmed an exact cause.

Traffic Disruptions and Ongoing Investigation

The crash caused major traffic disruptions throughout the region. Drivers were detoured off the interstate and rerouted onto State Route 19 through Zelienople, leading to significant delays within the borough.

The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No additional details have been released at this time.

Virginia Striplin Death & Obituary: 53-Year-Old Woman Killed in East El Paso Crash

EL PASO, Texas — The El Paso community is mourning the tragic loss of Virginia Striplin, 53, who died Thursday night, February 5, 2026, following a two-vehicle collision in East El Paso.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the crash at approximately 8:36 p.m. at the intersection of Eastlake Boulevard and Blingwood Street. Upon arrival, authorities found two vehicles involved in a serious collision and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Special Traffic Investigators (STI), who took over the investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that a silver Audi was traveling westbound on Eastlake Boulevard when a blue Nissan SUV traveling eastbound attempted to make a left turn onto Blingwood Street. Investigators say the Nissan failed to yield the right of way, leading to a collision between the two vehicles.

Virginia Striplin was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to those injuries and was pronounced deceased. Officials confirmed that her next of kin has been notified.

The crash remains under active investigation by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Special Traffic Investigators. Virginia Striplin’s passing has left family, friends, and the wider El Paso community grieving the loss of a life taken too soon. She will be remembered for the impact she made on those who knew and loved her.