2 people killed in Perryopolis crash

A passenger was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital in critical condition.

By MICHAEL VINSICK

minvinsick@yourmvi.com

Two people were killed and another was severely injured in an accident Thursday on Route 51 in front of Randall’s Restaurant in Perryopolis.

Larry Hall, 81, of Belle Vernon was killed when a motorcycle driven by Frank McKulka, 41, of Grindstone ran into his vehicle at a high rate of speed, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. McKulka also died at the scene. A passenger in Hall’s vehicle was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh in critical condition.

State Trooper Kalee Barnhart confirmed that Hall was driving a Kia Soul, but couldn’t identify the make or model of McKulka’s motorcycle.

Emergency crews were called to the 3530 block of Pittsburgh Road at approximately 11:51 a.m. State police briefly shut down Route 51 in both directions between Rehoboth Church Road and Constitution Street. Randall’s Restaurant also closed for a while, according to an update on its Facebook page.

State troopers determined that McKulka was at fault, but didn’t release any additional details.

Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker posted a statement on Facebook identifying the two people who were killed and thanking the Perry Township Fire Department for its assistance.

“Please remember the families and friends of those impacted by the deaths of these individuals this evening in your thoughts and prayers,” Baker added.