Area student, 16, dies in crash
A 16-year-old girl en route to Belle Vernon Area High School was killed in a one-vehicle crash Thursday.
Leah Smith was driving west on Salem Church Road about 9:30 a.m. when, according to Rostraver Township police, she lost control of the car after coming around a right curve and hit a tree. She was alone in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Westmoreland County coroner’s office.
The Rostraver Central, Collinsburg and West Newton volunteer fire departments and Rostraver/West Newton EMS assisted at the scene.
Police said the accident is under investigation.
Belle Vernon Area was on a two-hour delay because of the cold. Weather conditions, however, were not believed to have been a factor in the accident.
The school district said in a news release it is offering support to students, teachers and faculty for as long as they need it.