Published on May 30, 2025
UPDATE: Jeffrey Irwin, 67, of Pittsburgh, faces the following charges in relation to this incident: endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another, driving under the influence, failing to stop and render aid, and recklessly driving.
Original post:
This afternoon, Pittsburgh Police responded to a report that a school van fled the scene of a traffic accident while transporting juveniles.
The incident began on the north side of the 16th Street Bridge in Zone 1, where the van was reportedly involved in a collision with another vehicle. Following the accident, the adult male driver fled the scene with six juvenile passengers, approximately 10 years old, still inside. The juveniles began contacting their parents to report the situation. Parents immediately notified 911 and tracked their children’s phones to monitor the van’s location.
At approximately 4:15 p.m., Mt. Oliver Police identified the van and stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Becks Run Road and Wagner Street. All six juveniles were safely released to family members. There were no reported injuries.
The driver of the van admitted to Zone 3 officers at the scene that he had consumed alcohol. He currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail and will be facing charges for driving while intoxicated.
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Pittsburgh Police in Zone 1.