Two Killed in Amish Buggy-Truck Collision

LOGAN TOWNSHIP — A horrific Friday evening truck-Amish buggy accident on Winter Road in Sugar Valley has left two buggy occupants dead and four more badly hurt.

State police at Lamar have identified one of those killed in the accident, 36-year-old Rachel Byler of Loganton. The second deceased was listed as a 9-year-old boy; WNEP-TV identified him as 9-year-old David Byler.

Four other occupants of the Byler buggy sustained what police said were major injuries. They included the buggy driver, Aaron Byler, 37 of Loganton, along with a 13-year-old male, a 14-year-old male and an 11-year-old female.

Suffering minor injuries in the crash was the driver of a UPS truck, Sherry Croak, 55, of Lock Haven. Police said she will be cited for careless driving.

Investigating officer John Schall said the truck was eastbound on W. Winter Road near Brothers Lane. For some unknown reason, the report said, the truck impacted the front end of the horse and buggy with its front driver’s side bumper. The truck traveled 100 feet and struck a tree while the buggy rolled onto its driver’s side on the northern berm.

The crash was reported as to have occurred at 6:45 p.m. It brought emergency personnel from a wide area. Four state police officers responded and Schall said a crash reconstruction unit from Coudersport was later called in for assistance.

Others assisting at the scene were Sugar Valley EMS and fire, Goodwill Hose, Miles Township EMS and fire, Jersey Shore EMS and fire and several LifeFlight units from Geisinger Medical Center.

As of Late Saturday morning, Geisinger reports Aaron Byler is still in serious condition. The current condition of the other injured parties is not know at this time.

Schall, in a report filed early Saturday, said a more in-depth and conclusive investigation is underway.