CRESSONA - Three people were taken to the hospital with injuries after a crash on Route 61 south Thursday.
The incident occurred at 10:49 a.m. at the intersection in front of the Cressona Mall, North Manheim Township, as a blue 1993 Ford Ranger XLT driven by Todd Moyer, 25, of Schuylkill Haven, hit a 2011 Red Chevy Cruze driven by Kay Fago, 64, of Schuylkill Haven.
"He's coming south (and) doesn't stop for the red light," said Cpl. Fred Krute of the state police at Schuylkill Haven at the scene.
The truck hit the driver's side of the Chevy. Moyer will be cited for running a red light, Krute said.
"I believe it was turning red and I couldn't stop in time," Moyer said. He said he was in the left lane.
Moyer's passenger, Steve Bigger, 50, Port Carbon, was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street via ambulance with minor injuries to the face and neck, Krute said.
Moyer said both were wearing seat belts; however, the police report states the bent steering wheel and shattered windshield suggest otherwise.
Krute said Kay Fago, who had moderate injuries, was taken by Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS for treatment at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Jennifer Fago, 24, a passenger in Fago's car, had minor injuries and was at Schuylkill-Medical Center South Jackson Street receiving treatment, a spokeswoman said.
Another passenger, Melissa Fago, 37, was not hurt. All were from Schuylkill Haven and wearing seat belts, he said.
All four air bags deployed in the Chevy. Both driver's side doors were smashed, and the window to the driver's side was gone.
The front bumper of the truck was damaged along with the driver's side light.
Traffic was diverted on Route 61 south at the entrance to the mall into the mall parking lot to Route 183 until about 11:35 a.m. when the road was reopened. Vehicles were also prohibited from leaving the mall via the intersection with Route 61, and the left turning lane of Route 61 north entering the mall was blocked with emergency and state police vehicles. Fire police directed traffic at the scene. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
Responding to the scene was Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS, Rainbow Hose Company, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Hose Company. No. 2, Goodwill Hose Company, Cressona and the state police at Schuylkill Haven.
