Icy roads blamed for two crashes

Icy conditions were blamed for two vehicle crashes that occurred in Schuylkill County roadways on Monday, Dec. 14. State police at Schuylkill Haven said one accident occurred about 6:58 a.m. along SR61, in Port Clinton.

Troopers said Tara W. Davis, 31, of Port Carbon, was driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound in the left lane and approaching an area where the left lane ends and merges to the right single lane. Davis began to change lanes when she lost control due to icy road conditions.

The Jeep began to "fishtail" clockwise while Davis attempted to steer to the left to regain control and over-compensated. The front left tire of the Jeep struck the raised concrete median with the vehicle crossing the divider and entering the left northbound lane. While crossing over the divider the Jeep rolled over completely and came back on its wheels. The Jeep then re-crossed the divider and entered the southbound lanes.

Davis was not injured but damages were severe to the vehicle.

Troopers said the second crash occurred about 6:50 a.m. along Birds Hill Road, in Pine Grove Township.

Troopers said Clyde N. Bender, 62, of Pine Grove, was westbound in a 2005 Dodge Caravan when his vehicle hit a large patch of ice. Bender lost control of the van which went onto the west berm and struck an embankment. After impact the van continued along the embankment and rolled onto its drivers' side. The van continued on its side for about 45 feet before returning to its wheels and coming to rest facing southwest blocking both lanes of travel.

Bender was not injured, troopers said.