Cycle, truck collide in Schuylkill

A motorcycle and a pickup truck collided in one of three Schuylkill County crashes investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven over the weekend and late last week.

The bike-truck crash occurred about 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the intersection of state routes 183 and 895 in Wayne Township. Troopers said Brandon W. Ritchie, 27, of Bethel, Berks County, was operating a 2002 Kawasaki and turning right onto 183 from 895 while Linda M. Merkel, 52, of Auburn, was driving a 2002 Toyota Tacoma northbound on 183.

Troopers said Ritchie traveled into the path of Merkel with the Tacoma striking the right side of the bike. After impact the bike traveled about 33 feet and came to rest on its right side facing south.

Ritchie was injured and was flown by Medevac helicopter to the Reading Hospital. Merkel was not injured. Ritchie was wearing a helmet, troopers noted.

Troopers also said Ritchie will be cited for roadways laned for traffic.

A crash was reported at 9:44 a.m. on Saturday along E. Main St., (SR813), in North Manheim Township. Troopers said Margaret M. Dooner, 76, of Orwigsburg, was stopped in her 2007 Hyundai Tucson behind a 2002 Honda Civic driven by Therese M. Hohman, 27, of also of Orwigsburg.

Hohman was attempting to pull onto SR61 and her vehicle was struck in the rear by the Tucson. No one was injured. Troopers cited Dooner for following too closely.

Another rear-end type crash was reported on June 3 along SR443 in Pine Grove Township. Troopers said a 16-year-old male from Pine Grove was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche westbound and stopped for a vehicle turning left in front of him. His vehicle was struck in the rear by a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by Thomas E. Lenker, 22, of Schuylkill Haven. No one was injured.

Troopers cited Lenker for following too closely.