Van rollover sends man to hospital
OAKLAND TWP — State police are investigating a one-vehicle rollover wreck Monday morning on Route 68 that left an elderly man injured and trapped in his vehicle.
Investigators have not released the name of the man, who is from Rimersburg, Clarion County.
They say he lost control of his minivan shortly after 9 a.m. while traveling west just past the O'Donnell's Beer Distributor.
His Chrysler Town & Country crossed over the opposing lane and sideswiped a tree before rolling over on the road and landing on its wheels in the eastbound lane, authorities said.
The man, believed to be in his 70s or 80s, was wearing a seat belt and his air bag deployed.
Oneida Valley volunteer firefighters used a Hurst tool to remove the driver's door and rescue the man, who was conscious and talking.
Emergency crews said the man suffered scratches and other minor injuries but he did not want to go to the hospital.
He apparently was more concerned about the condition and whereabouts of a favorite ball cap that he was wearing, one firefighter said.
The man eventually was taken by East Butler Ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital. His condition was not known this morning.
Police said speed was not a factor and investigators have not ruled out that the man may have suffered a medical emergency before the wreck.
The accident caused only a minor delay for motorists as crews closed a portion of the eastbound lane to traffic around the crash site.
