Freezing rain causes havoc in Pa.

Associated Press

Freezing rain coated roads with slick ice that caused traffic problems across the commonwealth Sunday, closing major roads and leading to at least one fatal accident in western Pennsylvania.

Police began shutting down all major highways in Allegheny County, including the Fort Pitt and Squirrel Hill tunnels, after icy conditions began about 7 a.m. Bus service was suspended for several hours but later resumed, although officials warned of delays, and the roads were later reopened.

Some churches canceled services and meetings, and other events were also called off.

Police said a 22-year-old Derry woman died after her vehicle went out of control on icy Route 22 in Murrysville and then was struck by another car just before 7:30 a.m.

Emergency crews across the commonwealth struggled to keep pace with the many traffic accidents, most of which involved damage and non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities asked drivers to remain home if possible and to use caution if they had to go out.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler was injured Sunday morning in a fall outside his Pittsburgh-area home that department spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick says he believes was “ice-related.”

Biehler, 65, who had been briefed throughout the morning on roadway conditions, was admitted to UPMC Mercy with several cracked ribs, a chipped elbow and a collapsed lung, Kirkpatrick said. A hospital official said she had no information about his condition. Scott Christie, deputy secretary for highway administration, will take over in his absence.

Forecasters said they expected rising temperatures to eventually push temperatures above freezing later in the day and end the problem, but they also warned that the mercury could fall below freezing again Sunday night, creating more icy conditions.