Two Injured in Regatta Boat Collision
LOCK HAVEN – The 45th annual Lock Haven Area Jaycees Labor Day Regatta was marred by a two-boat collision Sunday afternoon. The crash on the Woodward Township side of the Susquehanna River saw one driver Life-flighted to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Eye witness Jason Walker of Flemington said he was sitting at the family riverside lot just upriver from the boat launch area when the mishap took place. He said the two boats involved were in the middle of the pack and were heading upstream after rounding the lower end curve on the course. Walker said the lead boat flipped into the air and landed on the trailing boat, injuring both operators. He said one of the operators, less seriously injured, assisted the second driver.
The second operator was initially identified as Logansport Sweeney, hometown not immediately available. He was taken by ambulance to Lock Haven Hospital and then by helicopter to Geisinger. It was announced later Sunday that he had suffered a collapsed lung but was “expected to be okay.” The other driver was reported treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The races were delayed briefly and then resumed and are to run again tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the final day of the 4-day event. The Lock Haven Area Jaycees will provide the music Monday from noon to 9:15 p.m. Mason Dixon from noon to 2:30 pm, Snug from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and All Else Fails from 6 to 9:15 p.m.
The entertainment on Monday will conclude with the county’s largest fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
