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Three-vehicle wreck closes Route 8

At least one person was hurt in a three-vehicle accident on Route 8 in Penn Township, involving two cars and a tri-axle.

Penn Township police have identified the drivers of a three-vehicle crash this morning on Route 8 near the Hardwood Cafe.

Two of the drivers - Ariana Espien, 19, of Pittsburgh; and Denise Freehling, 57, of Kittanning - were taken by ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital following the crash about 8:40 a.m.

Police said Espien was headed south in the left lane when she apparently fell asleep.

She told police that she had just finished a class at nearby Butler County Community College after working all night and was headed home, said officer Dennis Crawford.

Her Honda sedan veered across the center turning lane and struck Freehling’s Buick Envision, which was traveling north in the left lane.

The Honda continued into the side of a tri-axle trunk that was northbound in the right lane.

The truck driver, Jeff Mowen, 66, of Valencia, was not injured.

Espien suffered unknown injuries that were not believed to be serious. Freehling had what appeared to be minor injuries.

All three drivers were wearing seat belts and both cars’ airbags deployed.

Both cars were severely damaged and had to be towed. The truck, owned by William J. Brown Trucking of Valencia, had minor damage and was driven from the scene.

“For the extent of damage to the vehicles,” Crawford said, “we’re thankful there weren’t more serious injuries.”

A full story will appear in Butler Eagle tomorrow.

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