Two people were killed Monday afternoon when the driver of the van they were riding in crashed into a tree in Salem, likely as she was swatting at a bee, state police said.
Three other passengers were injured.
Helen Johnston, 52, of New Alexandria was swatting at a bee in the Dodge Caravan when she apparently lost control of the vehicle on Route 819, near Route 22, according to state police at Kiski.
Forbes Road fire Chief Robert Rosatti said the van carrying five people struck the tree shortly before 1 p.m.
Four people were trapped in the vehicle, including Arlene Johnston, 77, of New Alexandria, who died at the scene.
Three helicopters landed in a nearby field and flew three passengers to area hospitals.
Police said William A. Johnston, 53, of New Alexandria apparently was ejected and died soon after the crash at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. He was pronounced dead at 1:42 p.m.
The Westmoreland County Coroner's office listed the cause of death for both Johnstons as blunt-force trauma.
Police said other passengers were Tyler Johnston, 9, who was in fair condition Tuesday at Children's Hospital, and Jennifer Cullen, 27, of Export. Her condition was unavailable yesterday.
Helen Johnston was flown to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, where she remained in critical condition yesterday.
Rosatti said the stretch of road is not a common scene of auto accidents.
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