RICHLAND TWP., Pa. (EYT) – One person was injured in a crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon on Interstate 80 in Richland Township, Clarion County.
According to police, around 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, 29-year-old Zachary F. West, of Belpre, OH, was operating a 2012 Freightliner, traveling east in the right eastbound lane of Interstate 80, and 69-year-old Zdislaw Tochowicz, of Lisle, IL, was operating a 2006 Lincoln Continental, traveling east in the left eastbound lane.
Police say West abruptly drove into the left lane in an attempt to change lanes, and Tochowicz was cut off. Tochowicz then drove off the left shoulder into the grass median, striking a ditch, and continuing to travel east in the median. Tochowicz’s vehicle then entered into the Metz Road underpass, traveled across Metz Road, and struck the embankment before coming to a final rest. West stopped on the left shoulder of the road for a short time before continuing to travel east, leaving the scene of the accident.
Tochowicz was not injured. His passenger — 66-year-old Danuta Stachowicz, of Lisle, IL — suffered suspected minor injuries.
Both occupants were both using seat belts.
West was not injured. It is unknown whether he was using a seat belt.
He was charged with a traffic violation.
Emlenton Area Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
