According to Pottsville Police, officers were dispatched on December 31, 2025, at approximately 11:11 a.m. to investigate a reportable motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Claude A. Lord Boulevard (State Route 61) and East Arch Street.
Police say Leroy Stevens, 21, of Pottsville, was traveling southbound on Claude A. Lord Boulevard in a white Dodge Caravan when he rear-ended a white Subaru Forester operated by Margaret Hassler, 64, of Locust Gap. The impact forced Hassler’s vehicle into a third vehicle, a white Cadillac SUV driven by Jessica McLemore, 38, of Pottsville.
All three vehicles were reportedly stopped in the left-hand turning lane on Route 61 at the time of the collision.
Two individuals sustained injuries as a result of the crash. The extent of those injuries was not immediately released.
All vehicles involved suffered disabling damage and were towed from the scene. Pottsville Fire/EMS assisted police at the scene.
Police indicated that possible vehicle failure is being investigated as a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.