People throughout the nation rely on energy produced by coal that is mined in Pennsylvania. In order for it to be of use to those people however, it must first be transported to their area. This is done via several modes of transportation including trucks. As is the case with any truck on the highway, a collision with a coal truck can cause a fatal injury.

This was sadly the reality in an accident that occurred earlier this week on a portion of Route 422 located in Armstrong County. The early morning incident reportedly occurred when a Subaru that was driving east, crossed the center line into the westbound lanes. When it did so, the vehicle that was driven by a 55-year-old woman, collided with a coal truck. After the first collision, the Subaru spun into a second coal truck.

The force of the initial collision caused the first coal truck to start on fire. The driver of that truck also caught fire which was put out by residents in the area. Thankfully the injuries are apparently not life-threatening. The driver behind the wheel of the second coal truck was uninjured in the incident.

Sadly, the woman who was driving the Subaru died in the crash. Her passenger, who happened to be her husband, was transported to a hospital for treatment. The nature and severity of his injuries is not known.

It is hard know what caused the Subaru to cross into oncoming traffic. As is the case in most motor vehicle accidents, an investigation will likely determine what happened.

Source: KDKA, "1 Killed In Armstrong Co. Crash," May 29, 2012