LYCOMING COUNTY, PA. (THECOUNT) — Milan Dodson, of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the victim in a fatal two-vehicle crash Tuesday evening along Route 44 in Lycoming County, according to authorities. Dodson was 20.
The violent collision occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on Route 44 in Jersey Shore, located in north-central Pennsylvania.
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According to Pennsylvania State Police, Dodson was operating a 2005 Volkswagen hatchback traveling southbound on the two-lane highway when the crash occurred.
Investigators said Dodson was attempting to pass other vehicles by using the northbound lane of travel.
Witnesses told police Dodson maneuvered back into the southbound lane after observing an approaching northbound pickup truck operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Authorities said Dodson subsequently lost control of the Volkswagen while attempting to return to the southbound lane.
The vehicle reportedly rotated counterclockwise and slid back into the northbound lane directly into the path of the approaching pickup truck.
The northbound truck, a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources vehicle, was being operated by Arliss Rhinehart, 36, of Waterville, Pennsylvania, according to investigators.
State police said the impact caused the pickup truck to overturn onto its driver’s side, blocking both lanes of Route 44.
Authorities said the collision also caused the Volkswagen hatchback to rotate clockwise before coming to rest along the shoulder of the northbound lane.
Dodson sustained severe injuries in the collision.
Investigators confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected from the vehicle during the crash sequence.
Dodson was transported to UPMC Williamsport for emergency treatment.
Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. confirmed Dodson was pronounced dead in the hospital emergency room at approximately 8:20 p.m.
Rhinehart was able to exit the overturned truck on his own following the crash, according to authorities.
He was transported to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital for treatment.
Officials have not publicly released the extent of Rhinehart’s injuries.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including firefighters from Antes Fort, Nippenose Valley, and Jersey Shore.
Jersey Shore Area EMS also responded to the collision.
The crash scene along Route 44 remained active Tuesday evening while investigators documented evidence, examined the heavily damaged vehicles, and coordinated traffic control operations in the area.
Traffic on Route 44 was disrupted for an extended period during the on-scene investigation and roadway clearing operations.
Authorities have not publicly announced whether alcohol or drugs are suspected factors in the crash.
The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
No additional information was immediately released.
Google Maps: Route 44 near Antes Fort, Pennsylvania
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