Pocono News Section

Deadly Motorcycle Accident in Luzerne County

Deadly Motorcycle Accident in Luzerne County - Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:02PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill & Jill Konopka
Saturday, Apr 26, 2008 @ 10:02pm EST
HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - One man is dead after an accident Saturday morning in Luzerne County. The wreck happened around 10:30 AM on Interstate 81-Southbound in the Hazle Township area.

The victim has been identified as Frank Valvano of Tunkhannock. He was killed when his motorcycle was hit by an elderly woman trying to make an illegal traffic move. State Police say the accident could have been prevented.

What makes the crash even more shocking, is that Valvano's wife was driving right behind him in a different car and witnessed the entire thing.

"She was in extreme shock. Very emotional, very difficult to deal with. Our hearts go out to her," Hazle Township fire chief Scott Kostician said.

When State Police got to the scene, they quickly tried to console the woman, who's life changed in a matter of seconds.

"Unfortunately, I do this more than I want to and it's very difficult. One of the first things we want to do is get friends and family here to help her," State Police trooper Joseph Racho said.

"There is nothing you can say to take away the pain of witnessing something like that," Kostician said.

82-year-old Agnes Yencho of Onidea was the woman who caused the deadly accident. Investigators say she missed her exit and tried to cross both lanes of traffic to cut through a median, when she hit Valvano's bike. There are signs posted saying the move is illegal.

"People need to be more alert of the road, the signage and where you're going when you're on the interstate," Racho said.

State Police are still investigating the deadly accident and say criminal charges may be filed.