Monday, November 18, 2019

One Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 81

One person was injured Friday morning in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Mahanoy Township.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the crash involved three vehicles, A Chevrolet Cruze driven by Mark Kessler, 54, of Winston Salem, NC, A Red Hawk Motor Home, driven by Howard Teeter, 59, of Windsor, NY, and a Tractor Trailer driven by Daniel Antonetti, 61, of Port Jervis, NY.

Police say the accident occurred around 11:30am, Friday, November 15, 2019 in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 near Mile Marker 132.5 in Mahanoy Township.

Police say the crash occurred when Kessler, for an undetermined reason, veered to the right into a weigh station entrance lane.  Kessler's vehicle impacted the guiderail.

Antonelli, reportedly saw the crash occur in his rearview mirror and began to pull over to call 911.

As Kessler bounced off the guiderail, he veered to the left and sideswiped Teeter. 

According to police, at this point, Kessler began to rapidly accelerate, strike the guiderail and veer across the lane of travel.

Kessler continue south on Interstate 81 until he ran directly into the trailer of Antonetti who was parked.

At this point, all vehicles involved in the crash were stopped.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and Kessler was transported via Ryan Township Rescue to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

No other injuries were reported by anyone else involved and all drivers were reported to be wearing seatbelts.

Kessler's vehicle was severely damaged in the crash and was towed from the scene.