A Pottsville woman has been identified as the victim in a fatal crash on Route 61 near Orwigsburg Thursday morning.According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, the crash occurred around 10:50am on Centre Turnpike (Route 61) near the intersection with Brick Hill Road.
Police say the crash occurred as John Chowansky, 65, of Pine Grove , in a Ram 1500 was traveling south on Route 61 and impacted a vehicle driven by Gabrielle Rhodes, 21, of Schuylkill Haven, driving a Dodge Caliber, who was traveling in the left passing lane.
Chowansky continued south impacting Abbey Whalen, 41, of Pottsville, driving a Volkswagen Tiguan, who was in the right lane.
Chowansky and Whalen continued south through the intersection with Brick Hill Road and came to final stop on an embankment.
Whalen died from her injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner.
Chowansky, his passenger Patrick Chowansky, and Rhodes suffered minor injuries in the crash. Rhodes was transported to an area hospital by EMS.
State Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
State Police were assisted by the Orwigsburg Fire Department and Schuylkill EMS at the scene.
Route 61 southbound was closed for several hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
RETRACTION: Our original posting of this story stated Patricia Chowansky was driving the Ram, that was incorrect, John Chowansky was the driver of the vehicle. We apologize for the error.