Driver killed in crash identified; Route 322 closed for 7 hours
Anne Danahy and Dena PaulingPOTTER TOWNSHIP — A 28-year-old woman died and another driver escaped a burning truck after a vehicle crash Monday morning about 1 mile west of Potters Mills.
The three-vehicle wreck happened about 9 a.m. and led the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to close both lanes on the long stretch of U.S. Route 322 between Warner Boulevard in College Township and Bloom Road in Potter Township. PennDOT reopened both lanes about 4:20 p.m.
Centre County Coroner Scott A. Sayers said in a news release tonight that Sarah C. Donaldson, of State College, died in the crash. Donaldson died as a result of massive head trauma, according to Sayers. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
According to state police at Rockview, George E. Donley, 56, who was driving a Kenworth tractor trailer west, hit the back passenger side of the Toyota Prius when he slowed down for traffic. The driver of the Prius had gone into the oncoming lane and tried to return to her west-bound lane when the Prius was struck.
Police said the Prius was pushed into the opposite, west-bound lane and the front driver’s side was hit by the tractor-trailer being driven east by Wilbert A. Quade, 34.
Centre Hall Fire Chief Chad Packer said that truck caught on fire on impact. He said the driver “just barely got out” and had singed hair, but was OK.
According to police, Donley and Quade were both wearing seat belts