A serious three-vehicle crash on the Gordon Nagle Trail Thursday evening resulted in multiple injuries, including three people being airlifted to trauma centers.
According to the Pottsville Bureau of Police, emergency personnel were dispatched to the 800 block of the Gordon Nagle Trail at approximately 6:06 p.m. for reports of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, responders found a crash involving a silver 2017 GMC Sierra, a tan 2004 Chevrolet Malibu hauling a wooden trailer, and a gray 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Police say the GMC Sierra, driven by 26-year-old Noah Shaak of Pottsville, was traveling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane. The Sierra first struck the wooden trailer attached to the Chevrolet Malibu, causing significant damage to the trailer and forcing the Malibu off the roadway. Shaak’s vehicle then continued traveling north in the southbound lane and collided head-on with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both vehicles sustained severe damage in the impact.
Immediately following the crash, Shaak’s vehicle caught fire. The flames were quickly extinguished thanks to the rapid response of the Pottsville Bureau of Fire Department, who arrived within minutes.
As a result of the crash, three individuals were transported via Life Flight helicopters to various trauma centers due to the severity of their injuries. The five other occupants from the involved vehicles received medical attention at the scene and were later taken to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
Assisting in the investigation were the Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Unit and Crash Reconstruction Unit, as well as Schuylkill EMS, local fire police, and the Pottsville Bureau of Fire. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of all individuals involved or provided updates on their conditions.
The Pottsville Bureau of Police is continuing to investigate the incident.