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Local police warn drivers about dangerous driving after Bethel Park crash kills 3

By Alyssa Choiniere achoiniere@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

Local police are warning drivers about safe driving habits after a social media video surfaced from a crash in Allegheny County that killed three people, including a local teen.

Heather Camisa, 17, of Finleyville, Bianca Herwig, 23, of McDonald and driver Paige Nichole Smith, of Bethel Park were killed when their sport utility vehicle hit a utility pole just before 1 a.m. in Bethel Park in the 5600 block of Library Road (Route 88). A fourth passenger, Brooke Molnar, 21, was thrown from the vehicle and taken to a hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

Police found an empty liquor bottle in the car, which was seen in the video when at least two of the women, including the driver, appeared to drink from it.

Allegheny County Police Department’s homicide division is investigating the crash. They said speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.

“Here we had three beautiful young people at the start of their adult lives, and now they’re taken from us,” said Bethel Park police Chief Tim O’Connor.

He said that while mixing alcohol and driving is always dangerous, some people may also behave more recklessly or perform for an audience when they are using social media. He said police believe a Snapchat video shows the crash victims before the accident.

The video appeared to show some of the victims, including the driver, drinking alcohol before the crash. Camisa appeared to join the women shortly before the crash. She was not shown drinking in any footage.

“When you’re in a car and you’re driving, the purpose is to get from Point A to Point B safely,” said state police Trooper Robert Broadwater. “The point is to use common sense.”

Camisa was a student at Ringgold High School. A grief counselor was available to students Wednesday and is scheduled to provide counseling again at Ringgold Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. Principal Jason Minniti sent a letter to parents Tuesday.

“We extend our condolences to Heather’s family. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them,” he wrote in the letter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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