TAYLOR TOWNSHIP, CENTRE COUNTY – An accident on state Route 350 claimed the life of a Philipsburg man over the weekend.
According to state police in Philipsburg, on Jan. 30, 69-year-old Paul Shimmel of Philipsburg was traveling south on SR 350; Edna Vaux of Kylertown was traveling north. Police said Shimmel crossed the center line and struck Vaux’s vehicle head-on. Shimmel’s vehicle then spun counterclockwise and came to rest in the northbound lane. Vaux’s vehicle also spun counterclockwise and was pushed about 24 feet off the road and into the woods.
Vaux suffered serious injuries, as did passenger Samantha Thompson. Both were wearing their seat belts. An infant in the Vaux vehicle suffered minor injury. The child was in a protective car seat.
Shimmel was pronounced dead at the scene by Centre County Deputy Coroner Judy Pleskonko, RN. Police stated that he was not wearing a seat belt.
Police were assisted at the scene by state police in Hollidaysburg, Sandy Ridge Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Altoona Mobile Emergency Department, Tyrone Fire Department and Port Matilda Fire Department.
Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is urged to contact Trooper Scott Swasing at 814-342-3370.