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Tractor-trailer driver killed in crash on turnpike

Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Georgia man was killed yesterday when he lost control of the tractor-trailer he was driving and crashed on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Alexander Gutmans, 59, a truck driver with Transport America, was headed westbound on the turnpike about 8:30 a.m. near the New Stanton interchange when he lost control and hit a guide rail, the county coroner said.

The truck continued onto the berm and came to rest in a wooded area. Mr. Gutmans was not wearing his seat belt and died of blunt force trauma to the head and chest, the coroner's office said.

He was pronounced dead at 10:01 a.m. at Excela Frick Hospital. Authorities are investigating whether Mr. Gutmans suffered a medical emergency.

Read more: Tractor-trailer driver killed in crash on turnpike