Reckless driver endangered first responders at fatal crash

The Washington County coroner’s office said first responders were “put in jeopardy” on Monday while responding to a fatal crash on Interstate 79/70.

A motorcyclist was killed Monday night when he collided with another vehicle on the highway near mile marker 18 just after 10 p.m., the coroner said.

The motorcyclist, Homer Thomas Jr., 42, of Washington, died after he was taken to Washington Hospital.

After first responders arrived at the scene, Tim Warco, the county coroner, said “secondary accidents” occurred, which he said were “likely due to distracted driving or ‘rubbernecking.’ ”

A second dangerous situation was created, Mr. Warco said, when an SUV drove around a South Strabane firetruck that was being used to close off two lanes of the highway.

The firetruck was there “to protect first responders tending to the accident,” he said.

Mr. Warco said the SUV made its way through the accident scene “at a high rate of speed.”

“One life was already lost last night. The first responders who selflessly worked to save that life were also put in jeopardy by the careless, purposeful action of that driver,” Mr. Warco said. “Luckily, no one working the scene was injured.”

He reminded drivers who encounter an accident scene to “obey all barriers and/or first responders’ instructions. Pay attention to the road and the vehicles around you and not to the accident or your phone. Finally, slow down and move over.

“That is the law and for good reason. Please slow down and save a life.”