As if Washington County hasn't seen its share of car accidents-turned-tragedy recently, another pile-up in North Strabane has sent more people to the hospital.

Police blame snow squalls and whiteout conditions along Interstate 79 in North Strabane Township, Washington County for the accident that happened on Thursday around noon.

Authorities told reporters that the 12-car pile-up began just before noon in the northbound lanes of I-79 around mile marker 42. Wind and snow were the cause of icy road conditions and poor visibility.

Witnesses told police that they believe the accident began when a Pennsylvania utility truck was unable to stop due to the ice and ran into a commercial tractor trailer, then rear-ended a Ford Fusion.

In total, twelve vehicles were involved in the accident. Police say some of the vehicles may be totaled and that there is thousands of dollars in property damage to peoples' vehicles. First responders took three people to the hospital with what reporters are calling moderate to serious injuries. There has not yet been an update on the injured parties.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Three people injured in 12-vehicle pileup in Washington County" 27 February 2014