Sunday, April 23, 2023

Victim Identified in Fatal Barnesville Crash on Route 54

 

The victim in a fatal crash on Route 54 in Barnesville early Saturday morning has been identified.

The single vehicle crash occurred just before 2:15am on Barnesville Drive (Route 54) near the intersection with Tunnel Road.

The Pennsylvania State Police, who are investigating the crash, have not released any details, but according to radio traffic at the time, stated the crash involved a pickup truck and a utility pole.

The driver of the truck, Blayke Didgen, 22, of Barnesville, died from his injuries at the scene.  The Schuylkill County Coroner's Office was called to the scene.

Route 54 was closed from the top of the Vulcan Hill near Interstate 81 to Hillside Drive, in both directions until 4:45am when the Mahanoy City reopened.

Due to a long hanging wire and the utility pole, the Barneville side remained closed until 6:30am.

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating.

Ryan Township Fire responded to the scene.