Shohola Township crash kills Pike County man, injures three others

A two-vehicle crash on Route 434 in Pike County claimed the life of a 65-year-old Shohola man and seriously injured three others Friday afternoon. According to Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove, the crash occurred at approximately 4:34 p.m. on June 19 near house number 261 along Route 434 in Shohola Township. Police said Francis J. Connaughton, 65, of Shohola, was driving a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound when he entered a curve and crossed into the oncoming lane. The Jeep struck a southbound 2012 Honda Civic head-on. Investigators said the impact caused the Jeep to roll over and leave the roadway, where it struck a utility pole and then a tree. The Honda spun around before coming to rest in the southbound lane. Connaughton was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda, a 17-year-old female from Naples, New York, suffered suspected serious injuries and was flown to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Two passengers in the vehicle — a 45-year-old Lake Ariel man identified as Eric S. Bersch and a 13-year-old boy — also suffered suspected serious injuries and were transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Shohola and Lackawaxen EMS, along with firefighters from Shohola and Greeley, responded to the scene. The Pike County Coroner's Office also assisted. Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and Route 434 was temporarily closed while emergency crews and investigators worked at the crash site. State police continue to investigate the collision.