Three dead after car crashes into, ignites Pittsburgh building

Three people died on Saturday after a vehicle crashed into a Pittsburgh building, causing it to burst into flames and partially collapse, according to officials. 

Pittsburgh Public Safety first tweeted shortly after noon that police, fire and emergency medical services officials as well as a department public information officer were all on the scene, where it said a car had crashed into a building, adding that residents should avoid the area. 

Minutes later, the department confirmed that there were three fatalities, with one medic “transported to a local hospital for minor smoke inhalation.” 

UPDATE: There are 3 confirmed fatalities. One medic has been transported to a local hospital for minor smoke inhalation. https://t.co/Jfv3eDvu2n

— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) June 12, 2021

According to local CBS affiliate KDKA, at least one person was transported to the hospital in critical condition. 

The public safety department issued another tweet shortly after 1 p.m. to remind the public to avoid the area, with KDKA reporting that there was an ongoing search for people potentially still inside the building, which the outlet identified as a Biomat USA plasma donation center. 

Pittsburgh Public Safety reminds the public to avoid the area. Updates will be posted when they become available. https://t.co/x3kCdtlOnm

— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) June 12, 2021

KDKA reported that a fire erupted after the vehicle crashed into the building, causing it to partially collapse. 

Images posted on social media by officials showed firefighters at the scene gathered outside of the building as smoke continued to travel from inside. 

Pittsburgh Public Safety said additional updates “will be posted when they become available.” 

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash. 

A public safety spokesperson told The Hill that responses to the crash were still ongoing, adding that the department would continue to provide updates on the scene over its Twitter account and would eventually release a full statement on the crash on the agency’s website.