Seven helicopters landed to transport multiple victims today (Saturday, January 31, 2015) following a head-on crash involving an SUV and a full-size transport van on State Route 309 in Rush Township. Eleven people were said to be injured.
Emergency personnel were called just after 12:30 PM to the area of 800 Claremont Avenue (SR309), just north of the Main Street intersection in Ginthers, for a report of a head-on crash with entrapment. The incident occurred near the border of Kline Township.
Rush Township Police Sergeant Duane Frederick stated Jarih Martinez Fermin, 23, of Summit Hill, was driving a 2014 Subaru Forester SUV south down the Mile Hill (SR309), when the vehicle swerved over the median and crashed head-on into a 1999 Ford F350 passenger van driven northbound by John Kurtz, 61, of East Fallowfield Township (Chester County). The 10 passengers in the van ranged from ages 7 to 33.

Due to the severity of the crash, it took over 20 minutes for rescue crews to free one of the victims from the Subaru.
Prior to the arrival of additional emergency crews, a number of victims were cared for by paramedics and residents at a nearby home at 788 Claremont Avenue, which served as a medical triage for victims with lesser injuries.
Helicopters landed at the McAdoo ball field to transport patients to hospitals in Fountain Hill, Danville and Cedar Crest. Six people in the van were airlifted, as well as Martin Fermin. At one time, there were four helicopters on the ground.
In addition to the flown victims, at least seven more individuals were taken to local hospitals via ambulance for lesser injuries.

Firefighters also extinguished a fire that appeared in the engine compartments of both vehicles.
Responding were fire companies from Hometown, McAdoo, Tresckow, Delano, Quakake and others. Tamaqua Rescue Squad also responded.
At one time, eight ambulances were seen at the scene. Some of which were Tamaqua Ambulance, Ryan Township Ambulance/Emergency Rescue, McAdoo Ambulance, Lehighton Ambulance, Hazleton EMS, and others.
SR309 was closed in both directions for just under two hours during the response and investigation. Hometown Fire Police and others directed traffic around the scene.
Hope’s Collision and Towing removed both vehicles.

Frederick released the following information about the accident:
“The BAC came back 0141% on 23 yr old Jarih Martinez Fermin. PD also learned that Martinez Fermin drove without valid car insurance. He will be facing DUI, and other traffic charges.”

Click HERE to view a related link to a church story about the victims in the van and possible ways to help.

TamaquaArea.com Video:

TamaquaArea.com Photos:

Below photos courtesy McAdoo Fire Company: