Pocono News Section

Five Die in Monroe County Crashes

Five Die in Monroe County Crashes - Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 3:54PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 @ 03:54pm EST
MONROE COUNTY - The third of three deadly accidents in Monroe County happened along Route 447. A teenager crashed in Smithfield Township at about one Thursday morning. He and one of his passengers died.

Both young men attended Pocono Mountain West High School. Jon Mangual graduated in June. He was a star basketball player and the school's quarterback.

Police say the teenagers were driving along Three Point Garden Road when they missed a stop sign at the intersection with 447. They flew up an embankment and smashed into a tree."

Sharon Kimzey works nearby. She said she's seen a lot of problems at the intersection. She said,"The people don't drive very cautiously, they tend to speed and pulling out can be very dangerous at this corner."

And that's not the only problem spot in the county. A hit and run driver killed a Texas man along interstate 80 near Tannersville Wednesday night. Police believe the killer was driving what appears to be a black, year 200, Hyundai Elantra. Trooper David Peters said it will be easy for people to spot damage from the accident. He said,
"The metal shell itself was ripped from the vehicle so it should be very easy to spot. The interior of the door should be visible to the public."

Police are also still investigating a deadly crash in Long Pond. Two people died in a head on crash on route 115 Tuesday night. The three accidents this week killed five people.

"It's a little unusual," said Peters.

Police add most of the tragedy could likely have been avoided if people followed their common sense advice

Peters said, "Take your time. Give yourself a lot of time to travel. Wear your seatbelt. Pay attention to what's going on."

Anyone with information on any of the crashes should call state police.

The Pocono Mountain School District will hold grief counseling for students Friday from 8 a. m. until 2 p. m.