State Police in Butler and its surrounding counties, along with various other departments, were hard at work this Labor Day weekend keeping the streets and roads safe for motorists. Numerous roving checkpoints were dispersed through the area to curb drinking and driving. In all, 40 DUI arrests were made to go along with an additional 900+ traffic citations for various infractions.
On Friday, August 29th, on Dinnerbell Road in Jefferson Township, two people were injured when an SUV and a pickup truck crashed head on. On this night, the road was heavily traveled as the Knoch varsity football team hosted Franklin Regional in their season opener. The driver of the SUV suffered a compound fracture in his leg and was flown from the scene to Pittsburgh. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to Butler Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Although the investigation is ongoing, it is believed speed was a factor as the vehicles came to final rest nearly 200 feet apart and sustained severe damage.
Another crash occurred this weekend on Route 19 in Lancaster Township, killing one man and severely injuring another. This one vehicle accident occurred on Sunday afternoon and authorities believe alcohol was involved. Alan Moser was operating his pickup truck northbound on Route 19 when he lost control, hit a wall and rolled his truck numerous times before coming to final rest. A passenger named Daniel Watson was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into this crash is ongoing.
