1 killed in multi-vehicle crash on Route 8 in Butler County; road closed for hours

MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP, Pa. — One person was killed Wednesday morning in a multi-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer that crashed over a hillside in Butler County.

The accident was reported about 8 a.m. along Route 8 in Middlesex Township. Route 8 near Cruikshank Road remained closed as of 5:40 p.m. while crews try to hoist the truck back up on the road.

Middlesex Township police said the tractor-trailer crossed the center line, kept on going through a guard rail and went more than 75 yards down the hill. The tractor-trailer struck a Honda Fit, killing the driver, 59-year-old Kristofer Schmitt.

A red truck hit the Honda and a Mercedes hit the truck. The impact was so intense that the Honda's motor was more than 50 feet from the impact.

PennDOT workers were among the first on the scene, and they ran down the steep muddy hill to pull the truck driver from the cab and help rescue him.

"You don't think. You just react," said Ian Hoosey, one of  the PennDOT workers.

Sgt. Randy Ruediger of Middlesex Township police said officials found a camera on the windshield of the truck that they hope captured the crash, but they're not sure if it was on.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for updates.

Cox Media Group