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2 hurt in 3-vehicle crash on 68

Medical condition suspected as cause

CONNOQUENESSING TWP — A medical condition is suspected as the cause of a three-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon on Route 68 that injured two people, one seriously, state police said.

The crash happened about 4 p.m. when Richard Michaels, 69, of Butler suffered an unknown medical emergency and lost control of his eastbound 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.

Michaels’ sport utility vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped a westbound 2005 Lincoln Town Car before slamming head-on into a 2007 Hyundai Entourage van near the Boylan Funeral Home, about a half a mile west of Kriess Road.

Police believe Michaels’ medical emergency possibly began several minutes earlier and several miles before the crash when he momentarily traveled off Route 68 near the Agway store in Butler Township, hitting several traffic signs.

Michaels suffered an apparent head injury in the crash, authorities said. He was taken by ambulance to the Connoquenessing Township Building where a medical helicopter landed to fly him to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. His condition was not immediately known.

Brian Bauer, 41, of Sarver, who was driving the van, was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital with unknown injuries.

Lawrence Blakeley, 53, of Butler, who was driving the car, was not hurt, police said.

The crash shut down a portion of the highway and caused delays in both directions for about an hour.

The Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Police said the crash investigation continues.

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