Shocked drivers watched as emergency crews rushed to the scene during the busy rush hour period.
08:15, Thu, May 7, 2026 Updated: 08:38, Thu, May 7, 2026
The aftermath of the horror crash on Pittsburgh's Fort Duquesne Bridge (Image: CBS Pittsburgh/Youtube)
Two people have been killed after a horror five-vehicle smash that sent a car flying off a bridge. The tragic crash unfolded near the Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh, bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill for several hours.
The incident happened around 3pm on Wednesday, May 6, just a few miles from Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and forced the closure of southbound Route 65 at the Fort Duquesne Bridge ramp. An SUV involved in the crash flipped off the bridge and plunged onto Reedsdale Street on the North Side near Acrisure Stadium, killing the driver, authorities said. The driver has been identified as 52-year-old Michael Smith, according to The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.
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Two people died in the Pittsburgh crash (Image: CBS Pittsburgh/YouTube)
A woman was rushed to hospital in critical condition after being pulled free with the "jaws of life," but she later died, Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson Cara Cruz said. She has yet to be identified.
"Really a tragic scene here today at rush hour, probably lots of witnesses having to see this heartbreaking scene," Cruz said.
Authorities believe that no one else involved in the crash sustained critical injuries. Footage from the scene shows debris scattered across the road, with four vehicles still on the bridge following the horror smash.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, but Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said he often sees drivers speeding alonge Route 65
One car flipped off the bridge and plunged onto Reedsdale Street (Image: WPXI-TV News PittsburghYoutube)
He said: "We're very early in the investigation, so I don't want to speculate, but we all know it takes a pretty significant amount of speed and force to flip over a bridge deck.
"I drive this route home every day, people are constantly flying by me on my way home, so please, just slow down. We want people to get home safely."
Lando described the crash as a “pretty complex scene” that led to “significant traffic delays.” The ramp from Route 65 into the city remained closed for several hours during rush hour as authorities investigated and cleared the area.
PennDOT said the roadway finally reopened shortly before 7pm.
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