PINE TOWNSHIP – Five people sustained severe injuries after two vehicles burst into flames after an accident on state Route 153 on Saturday in Pine Township, reported the state police at Clearfield.
Robert Wiseman, 44, of Hyde was traveling southbound while Rebecca Towne, 48, of Ridgway was traveling northbound. As Wiseman attempted to pass a vehicle ahead of him, he lost control and traveled eastward into the oncoming lane.
Then, Wiseman’s vehicle slid sideways and was struck by the Towne vehicle. Towne was unable to stop to avoid Wiseman’s vehicle. After impact Wiseman’s vehicle overturned onto its roof, entrapping him and bursting into flames. Towne’s vehicle was forced backward, trapping all four occupants and also burst into flames.
All occupants from both vehicles were pulled to safety by witnesses and passersby, as both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames, state police said. All occupants were transported from the scene with severe injuries.
SR 153 northbound was closed for several hours to allow for the accident investigation and reconstruction. The investigation into the accident is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
State police were assisted at the scene by DuBois and DuSan Ambulance, Clearfield Emergency Medical Services and the Lawrence Township and Penfield fire departments.