Saturday, February 27, 2021

One Flown After Route 54 Head-On Crash in Ryan Township Early Thursday

One person was flown and another was injured after a crash in Ryan Township early Thursday.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the crash occurred around 12:20 am on Barnesville Drive in Ryan Township.

Troopers say the crash occurred as Thomas Kehl, 30, of Mahanoy City was traveling east on Route 54 in a Toyota Corolla and lost control on a left hand curve and crossed into the path of a tractor trailer being driven by Daniel Whitenight, 57, of Tamaqua.

Both vehicles struck head-on.

Kehl had to be extricated by Ryan Township Fire Department and Rescue and was transported to a waiting helicopter who transported him to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest.  Kehl's injuries were said to be non-life threatening.

Whitenight was also said to have suffered injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

Both vehicles required towing from the scene.

Kehl will be charged with careless driving for the crash.