Jun 20, 2013 2 min read

A truck driver was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital Thursday morning after his tractor-trailer overturned on Route 519 in North Strabane Township, causing heavy delays on the busy road.

North Strabane police said Daniel Kish, 54, of West Mifflin, was traveling south on Route 519 near the township building shortly after 10 a.m. when he either lost control around a bend or his steel coil load shifted, causing the trailer to turn onto its side and crash into a hillside.

“We’re very lucky nobody traveling northbound was involved,” township police Officer Matt Mancini said, noting the chances of a head-on crash in that area. “Very lucky.”

Emergency responders found the driver outside the truck, although they’re not sure if he was ejected or tried to climb from the cab. Mancini said he suffered serious injuries to his head, face and legs and was flown by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital. Kish was listed in fair condition Thursday afternoon.

Police and state Department of Transportation workers were able to keep one lane of traffic moving while they cleaned up debris along the road. Traffic was maintained as a tow truck flipped the tractor-trailer onto its wheels and removed it. The scene was cleared about 2 p.m.

Workers also had to secure the 37,000-pound steel coil roll that the truck was hauling, which remained connected to the flatbed trailer.

No other vehicles were hit by the truck.

Police are still investigating.