Jackson Township, Northumberland County, PA — A devastating crash between a horse-drawn buggy and a motor vehicle left at least one person dead and others seriously injured on Sunday evening, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The accident happened around 8 p.m. along Route 225, between Herndon and Trevorton, in a rural area where horse-drawn buggies are a familiar sight.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported the collision. The buggy was heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across the roadway.
Authorities confirmed that at least one person was killed in the crash. Several others were hurt, with some victims transported by ambulance and two flown by medical helicopters to regional trauma centers. The conditions of the survivors have not yet been released.
Residents described the scene as chaotic, with police, fire crews, and helicopters filling the normally quiet countryside.
Investigation Underway
Pennsylvania State Police closed a section of Route 225 for hours overnight while they reconstructed the accident and gathered evidence.
Officials have not released details on what led to the crash, and no information has been provided yet on whether speed, visibility, or impairment may have been factors.
Authorities are expected to release the names of the victims once family members have been notified.
Community Impact
The crash has left the Jackson Township community shaken. Horse-drawn buggies are an important part of daily life for Amish and Mennonite families in the region, who frequently travel along rural roads like Route 225.
“This is heartbreaking for everyone here,” one local resident said. “Our neighbors in the Amish community use these roads every day. To hear that lives were lost is just devastating.”
Churches and neighbors are expected to provide support for the affected families in the coming days, reflecting the strong sense of community in Northumberland County.
Road Safety Concerns
Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States, and crashes involving buggies remain a serious safety concern. Buggies travel much slower than cars and trucks, making them vulnerable on busy or dark roads.
Authorities regularly remind drivers to be cautious, especially at night, when visibility is reduced. Reflective tape, lanterns, and the orange “slow-moving vehicle” triangle are required on buggies, but officials say driver awareness is critical in preventing tragedies like this one.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and more details about the victims and the circumstances of the collision are expected to be released later this week.
For now, Jackson Township is mourning a heartbreaking loss, and the stretch of Route 225 where the crash occurred stands as a somber reminder of the risks faced when traditional buggies share the road with modern vehicles.
Reported by NewsPulse Reporter | NewsPulse Media