A late night accident Thursday on Interstate 80 in Wolf Creek Township killed one man, injured 12 others and left state police battling bitter cold and a language barrier.

None of the accident victims spoke English; the 15 people in the eastbound van were from Mexico.

The van left the roadway at about 11:45 p.m., rolled in the median and came to rest in the westbound lanes, police said, adding several people were thrown as the van rolled. The driver, whom police did not identify Friday, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Greenville-West Salem Township patrolman Jim Hellman, who speaks Spanish fluently, said another policeman who was listening to the emergency radio called him to say state police needed a translator.

"I've helped out before," said Hellman, whose mother is of Mexican descent.

Hellman called the state police in Mercer to offer his help. He was told to go to United Community Hospital in Pine Township, where personnel were struggling to help the victims.

"They were relieved to see me," he said of the accident victims. "They were thinking, 'Finally, someone I can talk to.' "

Cynthia Forrester, a professor of Spanish at Grove City College, also assisted, police said.

Police said the adults in the van ranged in age from 18 to 42. A 2-year-old was flown to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, where she was listed in critical condition Friday.

Three adults suffered major injuries when they were thrown from the van, police said, adding they were flown to Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Two were in critical condition Friday and the third was in fair condition.

Eight other adults were treated at UCH and two adults were not hurt.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com