3 Deadly Crashes At Washington Co. Intersection Prompt Lawsuits

Suit Claims PennDOT Knew Intersection Where 4 Died Was Dangerous

POSTED: 8:24 am EDT July 30, 2010
UPDATED: 9:23 pm EDT July 30, 2010

SOMERSET TWP., Pa. -- Since June 2008, four people have died in three crashes at the same intersection in Somerset Township, Washington County.

Now, lawyers for the families of the victims are announcing plans to sue the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

"The families are devastated by these accidents," attorney Richard Joyce said. "They're three hard-working western Pennsylvania families. They are still attempting to piece their lives back together."

George and Beverly Dunch, of Burgettstown, died in December of 2008 at the intersection of Route 136 and Church Road. The couple was making a left turn when they were hit by a pickup truck.

That same week, another crash claimed the life of motorcyclist Charles Stepanek, of Baldwin.

In June 2008, Harold Varner was killed in a head-on crash in the same spot.

The lawsuits claim PennDOT knew the design of the intersection was dangerous and did nothing to address the problem.

PennDOT said it will not comment on conditions at the intersection and cannot comment on lawsuits.

"You can't see as you're coming up the hill," said Sandy McGeever, who owns a shop near the intersection. "They've known it for years. It's not new. There have been other deadly accidents."

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