State police confirmed that 18‑year‑old Evan Gingo of Pittsburgh was killed in a massive multi‑vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Butler County on Friday, February 6, 2026. The pileup occurred shortly after 10 a.m. between the Evans City and Zelienople exits, shutting down the highway in both directions for hours. Authorities said icy road conditions contributed to the chain reaction that involved more than a dozen vehicles.
Gingo, a student at Slippery Rock University, was traveling northbound when the crash unfolded near mile marker 84 in Jackson Township. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with vehicles sliding uncontrollably on what police later called a “sheet of ice.” The pileup stretched nearly a mile, leaving cars and trucks mangled and blocking both lanes of the interstate.
Emergency crews from Butler County and surrounding areas responded quickly, treating multiple victims at the scene. Nine people were reported injured, with several transported to hospitals for further care. Authorities said at least 25 vehicles were involved in the collisions, while another 20 became stranded on the roadway due to the shutdown.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed I‑79 in both directions between exit 83 at Evans City and exit 88 at Zelienople while crews worked to clear wreckage and restore traffic flow. Speed limits across the interstate were temporarily reduced to 45 mph, and commercial vehicles were restricted to the right lane as icy conditions persisted throughout the morning.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash, describing how one vehicle lost control and triggered a domino effect. Cassandra Summerill of Harmony, who narrowly escaped the pileup, said cars were “just dominoes, one after another,” as drivers struggled to stop on the slick pavement.
For Gingo’s family and community, the tragedy marks a devastating loss of a young man remembered for his promise and dedication. His death highlights the dangers of winter driving in Pennsylvania and the need for caution during icy conditions. Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events that led to the deadly pileup.
