Pocono News Section

Teens Critical Following After-Prom Car Crash

Teens Critical Following After-Prom Car Crash - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 04:04AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday May 24 2010
KRATZERVILLE, SNYDER COUNTY- A high school prom turned into a nightmare for two students critically injured in a car accident over the weekend.

It happened along Penn's Drive near Kratzerville in Snyder County.

The two teens- juniors Seth Lauver and Alexandra Mullen- both hail from the Winfield area.

Police say they were headed to an after-prom party when the accident happened.

A Daily-Item photograph from Saturday night shows rescuers working through the wreckage.

The crash occurred just a few miles from the Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School, where prom was held.

Selinsgrove Area Superintendent Dr. Fred Johnson said, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The events are what they are, but our thoughts are with the families. And that's the first consideration we should have."

According to police, a car and truck were parked illegally just off the southbound lane of Penn's Drive, while someone was changing a tire.

Around 11PM, a Ford Contour driven by Seth Lauver hit the car before flipping over and eventually crashing into a tree.

Both Lauver and Mullen were flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Lauver is a standout athlete who scored the winning touchdown for the Seal's state championship team.

We're told his spinal cord was injured in the crash.

Mullen reportedly suffered damage to her liver and spleen.

The mood was subdued Monday at Selinsgrove Area High School, where grief counselors were on hand to assist students.

Now the community is rallying in support.

Johnson noted, "When these kinds of situations hit, there's a tremendous unification and uniting of all the folks involved to try to help them and to try to give these families the support they need."

Business owner Russell Kinslow explained, "It's felt not only by the parents and relatives of the victims, but the community as a whole watching something that tragic happen to the kids."

There has been some speculation that speed was a factor in the crash, leading to calls for police to increase their enforcement.

Kinslow added, "You know, I see them sitting around and watching sometimes, but I don't think they sit around and watch at the necessary times- such as after a prom, or a school, dance, or a football game."

Officials at Geisinger say both teens remain in critical condition.

Police tell us charges against one or all parties involved are pending the outcome of their investigation.