PITTSBURGH — Two workers at a Pittsburgh plasma donation center died after a car crashed into a building along Western Avenue in the Manchester neighborhood on Saturday.
Parveena Begum Abdul, 55, and Laura Elaine Meneskie, 35, were both killed when the crash happened.
A person inside the car also died. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the driver as Ronald K. Morgan, 50, of McKeesport. WPXI has learned Morgan was released from prison back in 2019 after serving time for sex assault charges against a minor. He was in prison for nearly a decade.
In a statement about the incident the Biomat USA corporate office said:
“We are deeply saddened by yesterday’s tragic incident at our Pittsburgh plasma donor center. The safety of our employees and donors is always our first priority. Two of our beloved employees lost their lives and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones. We are grateful to the first responders and our employees who acted quickly to prevent any additional injuries. Biomat USA is cooperating with the local authorities as the investigation continues.”
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A Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) notification was issued due to the severity of the damage and the unknown amount of people trapped when police and EMS arrived.
Firefighters and paramedics are still working inside the structure here we just saw rescue personnel carry in a Stokes basket expecting update soon @WPXI @ThompsonFoto12 @WPXIRickEarle @LizKilmerWPXI @WPXIJoe pic.twitter.com/bwdQRCpZqs
— Stephen Banfield (@coachtvnews) June 12, 2021
“You wake up every morning, you don’t know what’s going to happen to you. Whether it’s walking down the street or giving blood, and you know the tragedy,” explained Pittsburgh Public Safety director Wendell Hissrich.
Update from the situation on Western Avenue officials have confirmed there have been three fatalities one person in critical condition one walking wounded and one paramedic treated for smoke @WPXI @JillKGreenwood @WPXIRickEarle @WPXIMikeHolden @WPXIMelanie @ThompsonFoto12 pic.twitter.com/XOYkBJ7ImD
— Stephen Banfield (@coachtvnews) June 12, 2021
Two others were also hurt and one of them is in critical condition, according to police. A medic from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and two Pittsburgh Firefighters were treated for minor smoke inhalation as well.
Public information official confirmed at least one person has died and two people have been transported in critical condition along with several other casualties not sure whether there are still people trapped inside and there is a small working fire @wpxi pic.twitter.com/rDJswfJwxM
— Stephen Banfield (@coachtvnews) June 12, 2021
There were around 10 employees and five donors in the building at the time. One witness was inside the building at the time of the crash and says it was a surreal moment for him.
“Just, I mean just shock really, it was just numb, like I, I’m still you know heart racing, just not sure what was happening,” explained donor Shane McDevitt.
Crews managed to pull the red Hyundai out of the building.
On Monday restoration crews were out at the clinic assessing damage, and making repairs. On the property, a memorial was set up to remember the victims.
An employee reported that power to the building was back on, and they’re still trying to figure out how much plasma was lost.
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