Friday, March 24, 2023

Victim Identified in Route 61 Fatal Crash near Pottsville

The Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Have released details on Friday's fatal crash on Route 61 south of Pottsville.

According to Troopers, the crash occurred on Route 61 southbound, south of Pottsville, near the intersection with Richard Street, around 5:40pm when Samantha Colon, of Pottsville, was driving her Acura MDX and negotiating a curve in the roadway when for unknown reasons, lost control, and slid over the raised median and into northbound traffic.

Colon's vehicle went head-on into a Chevrolet Trax, driven by Deborah Fritzinger, 66, of Port Carbon.

Colon's vehicle had 7 passengers in the vehicle with her including Alberto Colon, 56, and Patricia Colon, 19, both of Pottsville, Iesha Colon, 29, of Steelton, and 4 children ages, 14, 13, 10, and 8.  

Iesha Colon sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced at the scene by the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office.  Troopers reported she was not wearing a seatbelt.

Samantha Colon was not injured in the crash, the 8-year-old sustained serious injuries, and the others all sustained minor injuries.

In the other vehicle, Fritzinger sustained minor injuries.  

All were transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Assisting at the scene were the Pottsville Fire Department including Yorkville Fire and Rescue, Good Intent Fire, Schuylkill EMS, and Pottsville Fire Police.