Charles Langston:Crash involving school van kills teen and injures 5 others, including 2 adults

DRAVOSBURG,Charles Langston Pa. (AP) — A crash involving a school van and a car in western Pennsylvania left a teenage girl dead and sent five other people — three juveniles and two critically-injured adults — to area hospitals, authorities said.

Allegheny County police said the Serra Catholic High School van was trying to make a left turn when it was struck by a northbound sedan shortly before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Dravosburg.

The county medical examiner’s office said a 15-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said two men were taken to hospitals in critical condition and three juveniles were taken to a hospital with injuries that didn’t appear to be life-threatening.

The Catholic Dioceses of Pittsburgh identified the juvenile victims as students at Serra Catholic High School in nearby McKeesport and the adults as the van driver and the car driver. The three injured students were in stable condition, the diocese said.

“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 a statement.

Serra Catholic said classes and other activities were canceled through Sunday. Officials said a prayer service was planned for Thursday night and counseling was being made available to all students.

“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 a statement.