Police: Crash on Route 33 a reminder to slow down

A two-vehicle crash on Route 33 near the Route 22 interchange Monday that injured five people could have been more serious, and authorities are reminding motorists to follow instructions from police on the scene.

State Police at Belfast were investigating the accident shortly after 4 a.m. Monday along Route 33 south in Bethlehem Township that shut down the road about two hours as police sorted through the crash and emergency workers cleared the scene of debris.

The accident happened when a driver of a car that exited Route 22 and was southbound on Route 33 for an unknown reason attempted to make an illegal U-turn in the middle of the highway to head north. It was then hit by a van, according to a news release.

Trooper Nathan Branosky said the driver of the car realized he had to head north on Route 33, tried to make an illegal U-turn, and was hit by the driver of the van. An exit less than a half-mile away at William Penn Highway would have enabled the driver to turn around and head north, he said.

Both drivers and a passenger in the van were taken to St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township, while two passengers in the car were taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill. Police did not release names of the victims or the extent of their injuries, except to say they ranged from minor to multiple injuries.

Branosky said several motorists ignored emergency vehicles and signs shutting down the highway so crews could safely work, which made the job more difficult. He said some attempted to drive on the shoulder and grass to pass the scene, which is a violation of state law.

Police were able to identify an unspecified number of drivers who will face summary traffic violations, Branosky said.

“All first responders have a duty and responsibility to tend to the injured and preserve the evidence at the scene,” Branosky said. “It is imperative that motorists adhere to the signs and instructions of troopers and the first responders at the scene for the safety of everyone involved and to conduct a proper investigation.”

The summary offenses differ from the state’s “Move Over Law,” which says during an emergency off the side of the road, motorists must move over to the next lane or move at a “significantly” slower speed, Branosky said. Driving around crews during a crash is a different traffic violation, according to Branosky.

The Move Over Law was recently changed to double its fines and add a new point system for violations. Fines were increased to $500 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for a third offense. A violation also adds two points to a person’s driving record.

Fire and emergency crews from Bethlehem and Palmer townships, and Easton Auto Body assisted, police said.