Head-on crash of pickups injures drivers, passenger
SUMMIT TWP — State police say charges are pending and they believe alcohol was a factor in a near-head-on collision Friday morning that injured three people, two of them teenagers.
A medical helicopter flew one of the drivers, Paul Butler, 56, of Butler, to a Pittsburgh hospital following the crash about 10:20 a.m. on Mitchell Hill Road, authorities said.
Police said Butler's Nissan pickup crossed the center line and struck the other, larger GMC truck traveling in the opposing lane.
The collision sent Butler's truck off the side of the road. He and his passenger, a 16-year-old girl, and the other driver, a 17-year-old Parker boy, were apparently able to get out on their own.
Police did not release the names of the teens, citing their ages.
All three occupants were taken by ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital, said Tim Gold, chief of the Lick Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Butler was later flown to the unspecified hospital in Pittsburgh.
Police said they suspect Butler was driving under the influence, and charges are pending a blood test and toxicology results.
Both trucks were badly damaged but the Nissan took the worst of it. Wreckers had to tow both vehicles.
