Schuylkill County Man Involved in Horse-and-Buggy Crash That Killed Two Children in Northumberland County

A Sunday evening crash involving a car and a horse-drawn buggy on Route 225 in Northumberland County has left two people dead and several others seriously injured, according to the Pennsylvania State Police at Stonington.
The crash occurred around 8:08 p.m. on September 28, 2025, in the area of 4041 State Route 225.

Troopers reported that a 2014 Mini Cooper, driven by 39-year-old John Koperna of Pottsville, was traveling south on Route 225 when he struck the rear of a southbound horse-drawn buggy occupied by members of the Zook family of Dornsife. Koperna told investigators he believes he fell asleep at the wheel prior to impact.

The collision caused the buggy to break apart, ejecting all six occupants onto the roadway, shoulder, and an embankment.

• A 7-year-old occupant of the buggy was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• A 9-year-old occupant of the buggy later died at Geisinger Medical Center.
• Four other buggy occupants, including children, were transported to Geisinger with suspected serious and minor injuries.
• The horse pulling the buggy also sustained fatal injuries.

Koperna was transported to Geisinger Medical Center with what police described as suspected minor injuries.

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene.

Emergency crews from Herndon and Trevorton Fire Companies, Area Services EMS, Americus EMS, Geisinger Life Flight, as well as Cartas and Peiffers Towing assisted at the crash site.

The investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing.