Crashes probed on I81 in Schuylkill

State police at Frackville reported investigating three vehicle crashes along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County this week.

The first occurred about 9:05 p.m on Monday, June 6, along in West Mahanoy Township, at the Frackville exit.

Troopers said Frederick Petritsch, 32, of Delano, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer southbound when he ran into the rear of a 1999 Chevrolet Express 1500 van driven by Martin L. Mraz, 57, of Johnstown, N.Y. Upon impact the Blazer spun and became disabled in the right lane at the ramp exit to SR61.

Troopers indicated Petritsch was injured but did not state if he required medical attention. Mraz was not injured. The Blazer had to be towed from the scene.

Troopers cited Petritsch for careless driving.

The second occurred about 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, in Frailey Township. Troopers said Irwin O. Keith Jr., 65, of Easthampton, Mass., was driving a 2005 Volvo S40 northbound when a deer entered the road in front of him. Keith attempted to avoid striking the animal but could not and hit it head-on.

Keith sustained a minor injury but did not require medical attention. His wife, Evelyn L., 62, was not injured. Damages were disabling to the car.

The third crash occurred about 8:47 p.m. on Wednesday in Butler Township. Troopers said Ann L. Colosimo, 64, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix northbound when, for unknown reasons, traveled onto the east berm where her vehicle struck the guard rail. The car came to rest on the berm facing north.

Colosimo was not injured but the car had to be towed from the scene. Troopers said Colosimo will be cited for a motor vehicle code violation.