Pa. state police can't explain prison van in Ohio River

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pennsylvania State police say they can’t yet explain why a van from the State Correctional Institution-Pittsburgh plunged into the nearby Ohio River.

Crews pulled the van from the river today, several hours after a prison employee crashed about 5:20 a.m.

A prison spokeswoman says police and prison officials have been trying to piece together the incident, but otherwise declined comment.

Trooper Robin Mungo says state police don’t suspect the driver, who was not being identified, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The van sunk completely, but the driver was able to escape by breaking through the windshield. He was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries. There were no inmates on board.

Officials say the employee driving the van was circling the prison when he hit a bench and drove into the water.