Large pothole blamed for crash

A large pothole along Interstate 81 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, was blamed for a one-vehicle crash that occurred at 11:19 a.m. on Wednesday.

State police at Frackville said John J. Sopp, 59, of Jessup, Lackawanna County, was driving southbound when his 2001 Ford Ranger pickup struck the pothole. The Ranger traveled onto the east berm where it struck guard rail. It continued southbound along the guiderail before coming to final rest just south of the initial point of impact.

Sopp sustained a minor injury and was treated at the scene by Ryan Township ambulance personnel. The vehicle was towed from the scene.