Three-Vehicle Crash on Liberty Bridge Kills Two, Injures One

Families of victims set up GoFundMe pages to cover medical and funeral costs

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A fiery three-vehicle crash on the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh on Sunday morning has left two people dead and one in critical condition. Jaren Wilkerson, 28, died from his injuries on Wednesday, while 25-year-old Layla Jones died at the scene. The third victim, Madison Rau, remains hospitalized in critical condition. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by Pittsburgh Public Safety.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of driving on Pittsburgh's roads and bridges, which have a history of accidents and safety concerns. The crash has devastated the families of the victims, who are now facing the financial burden of medical and funeral costs.

The details

According to reports, the crash occurred early Sunday morning near the Liberty Tunnel, involving three vehicles. One of the vehicles was engulfed in flames when police arrived on the scene. Wilkerson and Rau were trapped inside and transported to the hospital, where Wilkerson later died. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupant of the third vehicle was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

  • The crash occurred early Sunday morning, March 6, 2026.
  • Wilkerson died from his injuries on Wednesday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Jaren Wilkerson

A 28-year-old man who died from injuries sustained in the Liberty Bridge crash.

Layla Jones

A 25-year-old woman who died at the scene of the Liberty Bridge crash.

Madison Rau

A victim of the Liberty Bridge crash who remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Pittsburgh Public Safety

The local authorities investigating the cause of the Liberty Bridge crash.

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What they’re saying

“He had a gravitational spirit. Once you were around him once, it was unforgettable.”

— Peri Lee, Cousin of Jaren Wilkerson (WTAE)

“He'd give you the shirt off his back. That's how we want him to be remembered. As a good father, a good friend, a good cousin, a good son.”

— Shawn Hendricks, Friend of Jaren Wilkerson (WTAE)

“We kind of knew it was going to happen; it wasn't looking too good. I knew all three people that was involved actually, so it hit me hard.”

— Shawn Hendricks, Friend of Jaren Wilkerson (WTAE)

“I was following behind them, we were coming out of the Liberty Tunnel, I kinda saw what happened. Everything happened so fast. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.”

— Hasaan, Witness to the crash (WTAE)

What’s next

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by Pittsburgh Public Safety. The families of the victims have set up GoFundMe pages to help cover medical and funeral costs.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that car accidents can have on families and communities. The outpouring of support for the victims' families underscores the need for continued efforts to improve infrastructure and driver education to prevent such tragedies in the future.