A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 79 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, claimed the life of a young Army specialist during severe winter weather on January 15, 2026.
The incident, triggered by whiteout conditions and snow-covered roads, highlights the deadly risks of driving in extreme weather.
Crash Details Unfold
Pennsylvania State Police reported the crash around 11:45 a.m. at mile marker 121 (also cited as 122) on I-79 southbound in Jackson Township.
A semi-trailer had stopped in the right lane due to traffic ahead when a second semi rear-ended it, shifting to the left lane.
Moments later, a third vehicle—driven by 22-year-old Austin Golab of Erie, Pennsylvania—slammed into the rear of the second semi, causing major front-end and driver’s side damage.
Golab was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma to the head and chest, ruled accidental by Mercer County Coroner John Libonati.
The two semis suffered moderate damage, while the driver of the second semi was hospitalized with unknown injuries.
The roadway shut down for about four hours, exacerbating delays in the storm-hit region.
Victim’s Background
Austin Golab, a US Army Specialist (SPC), leaves behind a legacy of service cut short. Hailing from Erie, the 22-year-old’s death has drawn tributes from local communities, underscoring the personal toll of such tragedies.
No further details on his military service or family were immediately released, but the incident resonates deeply in military circles.
Also See: Tragic Head-On Crash on California Highway Claims Six Lives
Broader Winter Storm Impact
The crash occurred amid a powerful winter storm battering western Pennsylvania, prompting PennDOT to impose 45 mph speed limits on I-79, I-80, and other interstates from the Ohio line northward.
Multiple closures hit I-79 in Mercer and Erie counties, with crews prioritizing passable roads over full clearing.
Nearby, a pileup on I-80 in Clarion County around 10:30 a.m. involved jackknifed semis, though no fatalities were reported there. These events stranded motorists and strained emergency responses statewide.
Safety Warnings and Prevention
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh urged drivers: “Take it slow when driving in snow—70% of ice- and snow-related injuries happen in vehicles.”
Experts emphasize reducing speed, increasing following distance, and avoiding travel during whiteouts, as visibility drops to near zero.
PennDOT reinforced that commercial vehicles must use the right lanes under restrictions.
This fatality serves as a stark reminder of winter driving perils, especially for young lives like Golab’s. As investigations continue, authorities call for heightened caution amid ongoing forecasts.
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