Route 61 crash injures two

Two people were injured in a three-vehicle crash on Route 61 in Norwegian Township on Christmas Eve.

The crash happened as a 2000 Dodge Durango driven by Edward L. Schwenk, 38, of Auburn was traveling north in the left passing lane at 10 p.m.. A 2005 Ford Focus driven by Stephanie Howell, 23, of Schuylkill Haven, was traveling north in the same lane as was a 2008 Ford Escape driven by Michael G. Fair, 57, of Port Carbon.

Fair failed to observe traffic in front of him slowing down, said state police at Schuylkill Haven. His car struck the one in front of him, driven by Howell. Howell's vehicle then struck the back of Schwenk's.

The left lane of the highway was closed for some time until the vehicles were removed.

Howell had moderate injuries and Fair complained of back pain.

They were taken by Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven emergency crews to Schuylkill Medical Center East.

Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven EMS, Goodwill Fire Co #4, Humane Fire Co. and the Pottsville Police Department assisted at the scene.