Two children killed after vehicle strikes horse-drawn buggy in Northumberland County
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 29
JACKSON TWP., Pa - Two children were killed and three others were seriously injured following a crash Sunday evening, which involved a vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy. The buggy was carrying six people, according to state police.
The crash occurred around 8 pm on State Route 225 in southern Northumberland County and involved a horse-drawn buggy.
According to state police at Stonington, both a 9-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl were killed when the buggy they were riding in along Route 225 was struck from behind. Earlier reports had mentioned a baby.
According to reports, the crash occurred just south of the PennDOT equipment shed between Dornsife and Red Cross.
According to police, the buggy was traveling south on Route 225 in Jackson Township after 8 p.m. when it was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by John M. Koperna, 39, from Pottsville, who was also traveling south.
The driver told police he believes he fell asleep before the vehicle he was driving struck the buggy.
Police said all six occupants of the buggy were ejected.
According to police, one of the children died at the scene, and another was pronounced deceased at Geisinger Medical Center. Three other occupants of the buggy, 34-year-old Ervan Zook, 29-year-old Leah Zook, and a 3-year-old boy, were also seriously injured and transported to Geisinger Medical Center. According to police, another male child of unknown age suffered minor injuries.
The horse that was pulling the buggy was also killed, according to police.
Koperna was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
State police were assisted at the scene by personnel from Trevorton Fire Co., AREA Services EMS personnel, Americus EMS services, Geisinger's Life Flight and Cartas and Peiffers towing.
Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers at this very tragic time.
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